[REVISION HISTORY]

Alonso contract talks and FIA intervention regarding F1 exit

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-23 11:56 UTC → 2026-09-28 12:27 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, specifically the technical reliance on battery deployment. As the team navigates performance struggles, financial terms remain a significant hurdle. Reports suggest Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll may look to Honda to help cover Alonso’s requested salary. Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, has publicly expressed a desire for Alonso to remain, citing his vital experience in project development. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has intervened to prevent Alonso from leaving the sport, arguing that a champion of his stature should decide his own retirement on his own terms rather than being forced out by poor results. This stance has drawn criticism from former Haas principal Guenther Steiner, who argued that teams should resolve their own challenges without FIA intervention. Meanwhile, Honda is managing technical developments ahead of the 2027 season. Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara noted improvements in drivability following races in Monza and Madrid, while expressing satisfaction with FIA concessions such as additional dyno hours and budget flexibility. Following a disappointing Azerbaijan Grand Prix where both Aston Martin drivers failed to finish, team ~~principal~~ performance chief Mike Krack ~~has maintained a neutral stance regarding the FIA’s comments, stating the team and Honda remain focused on the established roadmap for~~ defended recent technical upgrades intended to reduce the ~~2027 and 2028~~ AMR26’s weight, noting they are functioning as intended in simulations. While Lance Stroll’s retirement was linked to a clear engine ~~regulations.~~ fault, Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara stated that data reviews show no irregularities in Alonso’s engine, though investigations continue.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.