[REVISION HISTORY]

Alonso contract talks and technical performance updates

Updated 10 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 05:21 UTC → 2026-09-05 08:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~Formula 1 regulations, citing issues with the current technical framework.~~ 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 ~~Aston Martin emerges as a leader in development spending~~ the team prepares for the ~~2026 season, upcoming races like Monza serve~~ 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 ~~tests for~~ factors. Technical Director Enrico Cardile confirmed the ~~power unit's ability~~ team is now shifting focus from major aerodynamic upgrades toward weight reduction to ~~meet high-speed demands.~~ extract further performance from the AMR26.

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