‘There are more things on the table’ – Alonso insists Aston Martin’s Hungary upgrade will not decide his future

Fernando Alonso has conceded that Aston Martin’s upcoming big upgrade package – set to be introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix – will not solely decide his future beyond 2026, with the Spaniard acknowledging that there are “more things on the table”.

Alonso’s contract is up for renewal at the end of the season, leading to much recent speculation over whether the two-time World Champion will continue to race for the squad into 2027 amid what has been the team’s most challenging start to a campaign yet.

The 44-year-old recently spoke of his commitment to Aston Martin – whether he races for them or not – following rumours linking him to other teams, and he reflected positively on the squad’s Hungary upgrade during Thursday’s media day at the British Grand Prix.

“It’s very exciting times for the team,” said Alonso. “We started on the wrong foot this year and we decided to wait for a proper package to come, and that's coming in Budapest. Let's see what it brings to the car in terms of performance – it's a little but unknown.

“It’s difficult to predict sometimes with this complex technology that we have in our cars, how it will translate into lap time, but looking forward [to it].

“Also for my future, I will make a decision in the summer break, and it will help to gain a little bit of confidence and momentum into the comeback of the team from the bottom to the top, hopefully with this first package.”

Pushed on whether the updates will be decisive in that decision on his future, Alonso responded: “It will not be just that. I think it's a combination of things. Also how the sport is and, as I said, the next two races are going to be tough in terms of energy management and [whether it is] fun to drive, so that also has to be in the equation.

“It's not only the chassis – we also need to see some progress on the engine side as well that we plan for in the next few races.

“I feel good with the team, I know everyone is working flat-out and I feel confident but, at the end of the day, I need to think as well with myself what I do next year. It will not only be how fast we are in Hungary, there are more things on the table.”

Alonso went on to share an insight into what some of those factors might be, including his hopes of racing in other categories again one day.

He explained: “I don't want to stop racing – I want to do Dakar, I may want to do endurance racing again in the future, especially if Max [Verstappen] wants to do it one day, that has to be something to be considered.

“I don't want to do that at 60 years [old], so I need to think where is my priority now and what makes me happier into next year.”