# Alonso contract talks and technical performance updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fernando-alonsos-prospective-ferrari-transfer-tied-to-lewis-hamiltons-departure > Updated: 2026-09-03T12:41:00.000Z. Sources: 96. Developments: 24. Negotiations between Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin have intensified as his contract approaches its end at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Alonso is reportedly seeking a salary increase from approximately €30 million to roughly €40 million per year. While he has expressed belief that the team will eventually produce a winning car, he is evaluating options following dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations. Technical developments have yielded mixed results. The AMR26 chassis, influenced by Adrian Newey, has shown improved competitiveness and cornering capabilities, contributing to a ninth-place finish for Alonso at the Zandvoort Grand Prix. However, the Honda power unit remains a significant concern. While the new specification introduced at Zandvoort delivered expected performance gains, it caused unexpected drivability issues due to changes in combustion characteristics. Honda engineer Shintaro Orihara confirmed that new calibrations and countermeasures are being implemented to improve power delivery and consistency. Alonso has reiterated that his decision regarding his future, specifically for the 2027 season, will be determined by technical regulations rather than current car performance alone. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current framework, stating, ‘This is not the Formula 1 we grew up with,’ and voiced a desire to help shape future regulations. While he maintains confidence in Honda, he has indicated he will not continue simply to compete at the lower end of the grid. As the team prepares for the high-speed demands of Monza, Team Principal Mike Krack has emphasized that performance issues should not be attributed solely to the Honda engine, citing chassis drivability and integration as critical factors. Technical Director Enrico Cardile confirmed the team is now shifting focus from major aerodynamic upgrades toward weight reduction to extract further performance from the AMR26. ## Claims - Fernando Alonso's contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Alonso is demanding a salary of about 40 million euros (or dollars) per year. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Alonso's current salary is about 30 million euros per year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The requested increase represents more than a 30 % raise. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Adrian Newey said he has full confidence that Fernando will stay with Aston Martin. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The potential new contract could keep Alonso at Aston Martin through 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Alonso is 45 years old and a two‑time world champion. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Alonso says he needs Aston Martin to provide a competitive car from 2027 onward. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Fernando Alonso links F1 future to technical regulations Fernando Alonso states his Formula 1 future depends on technical regulations rather than Aston Martin's performance, as the team shifts focus to weight reduction and chassis optimization. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-links-f1-future-to-technical-regulations ### 2026-09-02: Honda and Aston Martin address engine issues ahead of Monza Aston Martin and Honda are implementing new calibrations to fix engine drivability issues ahead of Monza, while Fernando Alonso remains undecided on his F1 future, citing upcoming regulations as a key factor. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honda-power-unit-deficit-concerns-aston-martin-despite-chassis-gains ### 2026-08-26: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso reports engine setbacks Fernando Alonso reports satisfaction with Aston Martin's chassis direction but notes that recent Honda engine updates have regressed in drivability, requiring more races to optimize. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aston-martin-sees-performance-boost-despite-honda-power-unit-gaps ### 2026-08-22: Fernando Alonso discusses future with Aston Martin Fernando Alonso is set to discuss his future with Aston Martin in the coming weeks, with potential contract renewal announcements expected soon, possibly in Madrid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-discusses-future-with-aston-martin ### 2026-08-08: Honda aims to return Fernando Alonso to F1 title contention Honda aims to return Fernando Alonso to F1 title contention with Aston Martin, while Alonso reportedly weighs a €40 million salary demand and car competitiveness before deciding his future. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eddie-jordan-fires-heinz-harald-frentzen-to-appease-honda ### 2026-08-06: Fernando Alonso seeks $40 million‑plus contract extension with Aston Martin Fernando Alonso, 45, is demanding a ~€40 million yearly contract to stay with Aston Martin beyond 2026, with the team confident he will remain and a possible extension through 2028. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-seeks-40-million-a-year-to-stay-with-aston-martin ### 2026-08-02: Fernando Alonso expected to remain at Aston Martin for 2027 Adrian Newey is confident Fernando Alonso will stay at Aston Martin beyond 2026, though a performance clause and Alpine rumours keep his future open; team upgrades show promise amid a tough season. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-says-he-will-stay-with-aston-martin-if-f1-regulations-keep-him-excited ### 2026-07-20: Fernando Alonso's F1 future hinges on upcoming regulation changes Fernando Alonso says his post‑2026 F1 plans depend on upcoming rule changes, not Aston Martin’s current car performance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonsos-f1-future-hinges-on-upcoming-regulation-changes ### 2026-07-10: Fernando Alonso undecided on future, considers endurance racing or team role Fernando Alonso will decide his F1 future in the summer break, has no post‑retirement plan, and is weighing endurance racing, a Dakar entry or a team role at Aston Martin. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-undecided-on-future-considers-endurance-racing-or-team-role ### 2026-06-23: Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin future remains under speculation as team pledges his stay Alonso’s 2026 season has been poor, sparking Alpine‑linked rumours, but Aston Martin’s Mike Krack says the driver will decide after the summer break and insists he’s “here to stay”, defending him against social 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aston-martin-f1-commits-to-keeping-fernando-alonso-despite-2026-struggles ### 2026-06-23: Fernando Alonso mulls Le Mans return with Verstappen as Carlos Sainz unveils fan grandstand for Spanish GP Alonso may return to Le Mans with Verstappen, while Sainz launches a fan grandstand for the Spanish GP in Madrid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-mulls-le-mans-return-with-verstappen-as-carlos-sainz-unveils-fan-grandstand-for-span ### 2026-06-20: Briatore says market will decide Fernando Alonso's Formula 1 future Flavio Briatore says Alpine will decide Fernando Alonso’s future based on market conditions, leaving his 2025 drive uncertain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/briatore-says-market-will-decide-fernando-alonsos-formula-1-future ### 2026-06-20: Fernando Alonso Considers Alpine Move and Possible Le Mans Return Fernando Alonso, under pressure after a poor start with Aston Martin, is rumored to consider Alpine and has expressed interest in returning to Le Mans, possibly with Max Verstappen. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-considers-alpine-move-and-possible-le-mans-return ### 2026-06-14: Fernando Alonso mulls Alpine return amid Aston Martin tension Fernando Alonso is reportedly weighing a return to Alpine, driven by doubts over Aston Martin's performance and a renewed partnership with manager Flavio Briatore. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-mulls-alpine-return-amid-aston-martin-tension ### 2026-06-14: Fernando Alonso Rumored for Alpine F1 Return in 2027 Rumours suggest Fernando Alonso may join Alpine for 2027 amid Aston Martin’s 2026 struggles; the driver says he’s open to scenarios, while Aston Martin denies the report. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-rumored-for-alpine-f1-return-in-2027 ### 2026-06-13: Fernando Alonso's future uncertain amid retirement rumors and Alpine speculation Fernando Alonso hints retirement may be near, while rumours link him to Alpine for 2027; Aston Martin denies the move amid 2026 performance struggles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonsos-future-uncertain-amid-retirement-rumors-and-alpine-speculation ### 2026-06-11: Fernando Alonso may run his final Barcelona Grand Prix Alonso, 44, hints the 2026 Spanish GP may be his last Barcelona race as the circuit drops from next year's calendar. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-may-run-his-final-barcelona-grand-prix ### 2026-06-11: Fernando Alonso may run his final Formula 1 race in Barcelona Fernando Alonso says the Barcelona Grand Prix may be his final F1 race there, as the circuit drops from next year’s calendar; he also recorded his worst ever qualifying, finishing last. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-may-run-his-final-formula-1-race-in-barcelona ### 2026-06-11: Fernando Alonso says Barcelona Grand Prix may be his final Formula 1 race Fernando Alonso says the Barcelona Grand Prix may be his final F1 race, with the circuit leaving the calendar after 2026; he will decide his future after the summer, amid speculation of a move to Alpine. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-says-barcelona-grand-prix-may-be-his-final-formula-1-race ### 2026-06-11: Fernando Alonso signals possible retirement after 2027 Barcelona Grand Prix Fernando Alonso hints the 2027 Barcelona Grand Prix may be his last race, with his Aston Martin contract ending and retirement under consideration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-signals-possible-retirement-after-2027-barcelona-grand-prix ### 2026-06-11: Fernando Alonso signals Barcelona Grand Prix could be his final F1 race Fernando Alonso hints the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix may be his last at Barcelona, as the circuit skips 2027. He will decide after the summer whether to continue, with his Aston Martin contract ending in 2027. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-hints-retirement-after-2027-barcelona-grand-prix ### 2026-05-15: Fernando Alonso mulls F1 future while cruising Monaco in rare 1990s Lancia Fernando Alonso weighs leaving F1 as he appears in a rare 1990s Lancia Delta in Monaco. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-mulls-f1-future-while-cruising-monaco-in-rare-1990s-lancia ### 2026-05-13: Fernando Alonso eyes possible move to Ferrari as Hamilton retirement looms Alonso gets a Ferrari offer, but his move depends on Hamilton’s retirement decision. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-alonso-eyes-possible-move-to-ferrari-as-hamilton-retirement-looms ### 2026-05-10: Mercedes ex‑engineer says staff voted for Fernando Alonso after Hamilton's exit Ex‑Mercedes engineer says whole factory favored Fernando Alonso after Hamilton left for Ferrari, though the team never signed him. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercedes-exengineer-says-staff-voted-for-fernando-alonso-after-hamiltons-exit --- Cite as: Alonso contract talks and technical performance updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fernando-alonsos-prospective-ferrari-transfer-tied-to-lewis-hamiltons-departure