Alonso maintains future uncertainty as Aston Martin seeks contract extension.

      "It's not about the car"

      Fernando Alonso continues to be non-committal about his future with Aston Martin for 2027, despite the team's confidence that a deal will eventually materialize. When questioned at Monza about the timing of an announcement, Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack expressed that there is no rush. "Are you starting to feel impatient?" he joked with a reporter. "It's still September, the season begins in March, so there's ample time."

      "I think you're already aware that we're working on it. We’re quite optimistic that a good solution will be found for everyone."

      "Whether it’s September, October, or November, it’s not really an issue, at least not for me."

      When asked privately about the chance of Alonso retiring, Krack smiled and said, "I hope not."

      Alonso, on the other hand, is far less certain. When queried if Aston Martin’s recent advancements, such as their ninth-place finish at Zandvoort, were sufficient motivation to continue, his response was a simple, "No."

      When asked if he would remain only if expectations improve, he answered, "Yes." However, the 45-year-old indicated that the car is not the sole consideration.

      "It’s not just about the car," Alonso stated. "I'm professional enough to give my all whether it’s for P15 or aiming for the podium."

      "It’s more about the regulations. This isn't the Formula 1 we grew up with or the one we all desire."

      Alonso expressed his desire to help steer the sport back toward what he regards as "real Formula 1," but he cautioned that he does not want another prolonged wait for change, or for improvements from his team.

      "I don’t want to wait another five years like last time," he remarked. "I want it accomplished in two or three."

      The progress of Aston Martin's chassis has given him some encouragement, yet Honda's performance remains the main uncertainty.

      "The drivability was an issue, and the extra power was hardly noticeable at Zandvoort," he mentioned when discussing Honda’s anticipated Spec 2 engine.

      Nonetheless, Alonso still has faith in Honda's ability to bounce back.

      "Absolutely. The facilities we have in Japan are among the best globally."