24-5-2023 Honda has stated that they would not oppose Fernando Alonso racing for Aston Martin when they supply engines to the Formula One team in 2026, despite the Spaniard’s previous strong criticisms during their time together at McLaren.
Although the issue may be inconsequential, considering Alonso’s upcoming 42nd birthday in July, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe was questioned about the matter when the engine deal was announced.
“We have no objections whatsoever to him driving,” he responded to reporters when asked how Honda would react if the team desired Alonso to continue.
Alonso, who clinched his F1 titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, joined Aston Martin this season and has been experiencing a resurgence in his late career, securing four third-place finishes in five races.
Martin Whitmarsh, Aston Martin’s group CEO of performance technologies, commended Alonso’s contributions. “He’s making a significant impact both on and off the track. I recently discussed our intended direction with Fernando. I believe everyone here is referring to some remarks made in the heat of battle in the past, which were quite memorable for some. However, I think he understands and respects what Honda is accomplishing.”
“Honda won the 2022 and 2021 world championships (with Red Bull), and unless we can surpass them this year, they will likely win again. They are an excellent partner for us, and I think Fernando recognizes that,” he added.
Whitmarsh further commented, “Perhaps 2026, who knows, is outside his current planning horizon… I hope he remains in the sport for several more years. If he maintains his current level of fitness and competitiveness, it would be fantastic to have him in the car in 2026 as well.”
Alonso infamously embarrassed Honda during the Japanese Grand Prix in 2015 when he referred to the McLaren’s engine as a “GP2 engine” over the radio.
In March 2017, as McLaren and Honda were heading towards a split, Alonso stated, “We have only one problem, and that is the power unit. There is no reliability, and there is no power.”
