Fernando Alonso has agreed a new contract with Aston Martin that could see him spend a ‘lifetime’ working with the Silverstone-based F1 squad beyond retirement from racing.
Fernando Alonso will once again join forces with Honda after ten years, thanks to his new Aston Martin deal, despite his previous public criticism of their engines being labeled as “embarrassing.”
The Spanish driver has plenty of experience with Honda power units, as he piloted McLaren cars powered by the Japanese manufacturer’s engines from 2015 to 2017. Unfortunately, the partnership was marred by issues with both reliability and performance.
Alonso’s harshest critique came during the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix when he was passed by Marcus Ericsson in a Sauber. He famously remarked to his race engineer: “It feels like GP2. Embarrassing. Very embarrassing.”
After being overtaken by a youthful Max Verstappen in the Toro Rosso, Alonso couldn’t resist repeating the “GP2 engine” insult, which led to a frustrated outburst. He ultimately finished 11th in that race, while his teammate Jenson Button also failed to secure any points.
Alonso’s departure from both McLaren and F1 in 2018 was fueled by his dissatisfaction with his lack of competitiveness. During his time away from the sport, Honda partnered with Red Bull and began achieving victories, further adding to Alonso’s frustration. However, he made a comeback with Alpine, while Red Bull continued to provide the dominant engines for the reigning F1 champions.
The agreement will conclude by the end of next year. Red Bull is set to manufacture their own engines starting in 2026, whereas Honda has secured a supply agreement with Aston Martin. With Alonso extending his commitment to his current team, a potential reunion seems likely.
Alonso mentioned to the press following the announcement of his contract extension that he had a discussion with Honda’s management to address any concerns before finalizing the deal. He stated, “I met with them a few months ago, not in Suzuka [last week]. I have a deep admiration for Japan and the work they do there.”
I believe the level of discipline and commitment displayed in Japan is truly exceptional. This is evident in companies like Honda and Toyota, with whom I have had the opportunity to work closely.
Looking ahead to 2026, the upcoming changes in regulations may bring uncertainty. However, if I were to make a choice, I would place my confidence in our project, engine, and power unit. I believe that they are currently leading the sport, particularly with the powerful engine on Red Bull’s car. Furthermore, with the introduction of new fuels and regulations, they will be well-equipped to achieve success.
Honda has truly excelled as a manufacturer in Formula 1 and the wider world of motorsport. Their success is undeniable, and I have always held them in high regard. While their partnership with McLaren didn’t pan out initially, they quickly resolved any issues and are now dominating the sport.
“They have been reigning world champions for several years now, setting a strong foundation for 2026. With their expertise in Sakura, they are capable of creating something truly exceptional. Although I haven’t visited recently, I am aware of the tremendous motivation and dedication present there.”
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