Alonso reacts to the future partnership between Aston Martin and Honda
F1. On the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso was interviewed about the recent announcement made by his team that they will be powered by Honda from 2026.
Seventh in the last championship, Aston Martin has made an impressive leap forward this season. After five races, the British team is currently second in the standings behind the untouchable Red Bull. Most importantly, their star driver Fernando Alonso has stepped onto the podium four times.
In order to get even closer to the top, team owner Lawrence Stroll has decided to make Aston Martin Honda's factory team, so that all the resources of a major manufacturer can be focused on their cars.
On the eve of the first free practice sessions of the Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso was questioned about this news and declared himself enthusiastic: "It's excellent news for the team, I am very excited. This shows Aston Martin's entire commitment to winning races and championships in the future, being independent, manufacturing their own gearboxes, and everything on the car."
And to add: « It's probably the only way to be 100% in control of everything in your car package. It's an excellent signal sent to everyone at Aston Martin that the desire and potential to win are present. »
The partnership between the two entities will begin in 2026 when a new engine regulation will be implemented. Alonso doesn't know yet if he will be on the grid in three years: "I don't know what I will do in 2026. It would be lying to you if I said I knew. What is certain is that I feel good, motivated, and fast. If I continue to enjoy it, I would love to keep driving. There is still a long road ahead until 2026."
Alonso spent three seasons at McLaren with a Honda engine behind his back between 2015 and 2017. It was a very difficult period for the Spaniard as the Japanese engine suffered from huge reliability issues. However, the Spaniard sees no problem in working again with the current engine supplier for Red Bull and AlphaTauri.
To roll again with Honda won't be a problem for me. I know it didn't work out well last time with McLaren. But I think they have proven that they now have a competitive package. They won the championship in 2021, they won the championship in 2022, and they will certainly win it in 2023. It will be a new regulation but I think it's a very exciting project, for sure.
The question remains whether Alonso will still be there in 2026, him on whom time seems to have no hold.
