A Aston Martin will use Honda as its power source when the new F1 power unit and car regulations are implemented in 2026. This means Alonso will be connected to the Japanese manufacturer once again. However, looking back at Alonso’s time with McLaren between 2015 and 2017, when Honda was supplying their engines, it is clear that the experience was far from positive. The Japanese company struggled to produce reliable and powerful power units, and the McLaren chassis did not help matters. The blame game intensified until the two parties parted ways at the end of the 2017 season. Alonso did not hold back in his criticism, even going as far as calling the Honda power unit a “GP2 engine” during the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. Despite this, Alonso is confident that his partnership with Honda at Aston Martin in 2026 will be different.
During a press interview, including GrandPrix247, Alonso expressed his admiration for Honda as a manufacturer, not only in F1 but also in other motor sports. He acknowledged that his collaboration with McLaren did not produce the desired results, but believes that Honda has since resolved the issues. He highlighted that Honda has been a world champion for a considerable period and has established a solid foundation for 2026. Alonso also mentioned visiting Honda’s facility in Sakura in the past and witnessing their dedication and motivation. He expressed his eagerness to try Aramco fuel, emphasizing that the collaboration with Honda is a mutually beneficial situation. Alonso recently returned from Japan, where he competed in a special race and wore a unique helmet with a samurai tattoo on his back. He sees the opportunity to work with Honda as a true pleasure.
The announcement of Alonso’s contract extension came after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished in sixth place. When asked why the decision was not made earlier, Alonso explained that it was mainly due to the demanding nature of his commitments, such as car launches, catalogs, and photo sessions. He wanted to ensure that he was enjoying his work and seeing progress with the team. If there was no improvement, he would consider seeking other paths. However, Alonso expressed confidence in Aston Martin’s competitiveness, highlighting the progress the team has made since he joined them. He compared their facilities to those of top teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes, and expressed his desire to be part of their continued growth. Alonso also spoke about his affinity for Japan and his positive experiences working with Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Toyota. Given the choice, he would opt for the Honda power unit, as he believes it is a strong engine that will contribute to his success. Alonso’s previous victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with Toyota further reinforce his confidence in Japanese engineering.
