'This is not the Formula 1 we grew up with': Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso said Thursday that Formula 1 must change aspects of its current regulations as he considers whether to continue racing beyond the 2026 season.

The 45-year-old Aston Martin driver's contract expires at the end of the season.

Alonso said his decision would be influenced more by the regulations than the competitiveness of his car.

"This is not the Formula 1 we grew up with. This is not the Formula 1 that we all want," he said ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

The Spaniard said he hoped to help shape future regulations and contribute to restoring what he described as "the real Formula 1."

Alonso has been a vocal critic of the power-unit regulations introduced this season, describing the competition as a "battery world championship" because of the greater role of electrical power and energy management.

Formula 1 has agreed to rebalance power-unit output from 2027 by increasing the contribution of the internal combustion engine and reducing electrical power.

Alonso finished ninth at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, earning two points and recording his best result of the season to move to 19th in the drivers' standings with three points.

However, he said that result was not enough to influence his decision about remaining in Formula 1, adding that Aston Martin needed to improve both its chassis and engine for next season.

The two-time world champion holds the Formula 1 record for the most Grand Prix starts, with the upcoming Italian Grand Prix set to be his 438th.