Fernando Alonso highlights ongoing talks with F1 bosses around rules: 'Circuits were killed'

Fernando Alonso says his ongoing talks with Formula 1 bosses over a new contract are centered on overhauling the sport's controversial engine rules, which he believes have "killed" several race venues this season. The two-time champion, whose Aston Martin deal runs through the end of 2026, is yet to commit to an extension, with both his team's lack of pace and the current regulations casting doubt over his future.

Why it matters:

Alonso's potential exit has become a major talking point, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stating it would be "not acceptable" for the Spaniard to leave in an uncompetitive car. The sport has already committed to tweaking the unpopular 50-50 engine split, but Alonso is pushing for more comprehensive changes to ensure better racing next year.

The details:

• Alonso said his conversations with Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have covered a "comprehensive rejig" of the rules, noting that "there were some circuits that were killed this year" due to the new power units.
• F1 will move to a 58/42 split in favour of combustion power in 2027, then to 60/40 in 2028, though several drivers question whether that goes far enough.
• Ben Sulayem has hinted at further concessions for Honda through the ADUO mechanism, which already allows limited engine upgrades outside the cost cap for several manufacturers.
• Alonso described the new braking-based battery harvesting as alien to drivers' instincts, saying: "There's no series in motorsport that you need to drive slow to go fast."

What's next:

Alonso insists Aston Martin's poor performance is not the critical factor in his decision, but rather the overall health of F1. With more rule changes expected and Honda potentially gaining extra development leeway, the Spaniard may yet be convinced to stay on the grid.