Honda e Alonso si riuniscono di nuovo: “Superata la frustrazione”

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Will this “GP2-Engine” blow up in his face again? With Fernando Alonso’s contract extension at Aston Martin until at least the end of 2026, it is also confirmed that the two-time world champion will reunite with Honda.

To recall: Alonso struggled with the initially uncompetitive Japanese engines at McLaren in the past. Legendary was the moment at the Honda home race in Suzuka in 2015 when he exploded and famously insulted the weak engine as a “GP2-Engine” over the radio.

However, there is no bad blood almost a decade later, neither the engine manufacturer nor Alonso want to hold a grudge about the past:
“When I worked with him from 2015 to 2017, it was a very difficult situation for him and the team. It was an extremely frustrating phase in our history and there were times when our relationship was tense,” explains Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing, to motorsport.com.

“But I think we have become stronger because we have overcome the frustration. Alonso has also been very active since then. I am glad that we have survived this painful experience together and can now fight for victories together,” says Watanabe, underlining Aston Martin’s ambitions with Honda: “I hope that we can aim for the title and win together.”

He had already had initial discussions with Alonso at the end of 2023, when it was clear through the deal with Aston Martin that a collaboration could happen again in the future, as Watanabe reveals: “I spoke with him in Las Vegas, but he had not yet decided on his next contract.”

At first, it was just a brief exchange as the Honda representatives were talking to team boss Mike Krack. “He said: ‘Good luck’ and ‘if we have the chance again, let’s race together’. We really only exchanged a few words,” recalls the Japanese.

Despite the former difficult relationship, Watanabe has no concerns: “We have had many discussions with Aston Martin about the partnership from 2026. We also exchanged our thoughts regarding drivers, and the understanding between us was that Alonso is a top-class driver,” says the Honda boss.

Watanabe admits: “Aston Martin asked us if there were any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract.” The issue was discussed several times, “but Honda did not raise any objections. In general, the driver discussion should focus on what we need to win – and in that context, the team decided to extend with Alonso.”

The Spaniard himself sees no issue in working with Honda again, quite the contrary: “Honda is a manufacturer that has had so much success in Formula 1, and not just there, simply in the world of motorsport, that they have always been a company that I respect,” says the 42-year-old.

“It didn’t work out for us when they returned to the sport. But right after that, they solved all problems and are currently dominating the sport,” says Alonso looking at Honda’s three consecutive championships with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen: “They have been champions in recent years, so there is already a very strong base for 2026.”

Alonso also praises the structures behind the scenes: “They have the capacity in Sakura to build something really beautiful. I visited Sakura in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Not yet again, but I know they are very motivated there,” says the Spaniard, speaking for both sides of a “win-win situation.”

Furthermore, Alonso once again reveals himself as a big fan of Japan: “I have a lot of respect for Japanese culture, as most people probably know. We were just in Japan, a special race where I always race with a special helmet. I have a Samurai tattoo on my back. There have always been many connections to Japan.”

“It is exciting, after my experiences with McLaren-Honda and also in IndyCar, that we can work together again. For me, it is a true delight,” Alonso praises the Japanese. “As I said, I have a great love for Japan and the things they do.”

“In the face of the upcoming rule changes, Alonso says: “Of course, it is a trip into the unknown, but if I had to choose a project based on my feelings, it would be ours, including our engine and powertrain.”

“On the one hand, because they dominate the sport – they currently have a very strong engine in Red Bull and AlphaTauri. On the other hand, because with the new fuel and new regulations, they have all the tools available to be successful. That is my feeling,” says Alonso, who therefore logically put his signature on a new contract with Aston Martin-Honda.