Honda aims for Alonso to remain as part of its Formula 1 comeback.
"Honda has expressed its desire for Fernando Alonso to stay with Aston Martin as the Japanese manufacturer aims to transform its challenging 2026 return into a competitive endeavor. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe emphasized the significance of Alonso’s technical insights during the challenging beginning of their collaboration.
‘Alonso is an exceptional driver,’ he remarked. ‘For us, it’s crucial to work with him. His feedback on the car is very precise and significantly aids our development progress.’ Their relationship stands out, especially considering the difficulties during Alonso’s time at McLaren-Honda, but Watanabe insists that Honda wants the Spanish driver to continue being part of the initiative.
‘We want to keep working with Alonso,’ he stated. ‘Facing challenges alongside a driver with such remarkable passion is very important for Honda. And while we aren’t where we want to be at the moment, our goal with Alonso is to become one of the top teams in Formula 1.’
Honda’s upgraded Spec 2 engine was introduced at Zandvoort, although Alonso mentioned afterward that it hadn’t yet achieved the anticipated improvement in drivability. Nevertheless, Watanabe is already looking toward the future.
‘I hope this collaboration continues,’ he stated. ‘We would create history. History for Alonso, as well as for Honda.’”
Other articles
Hamilton issues an apology following his criticism of Ferrari.
Formula 1 | Lewis Hamilton has expressed regret for his frustrated remarks made during radio and television broadcasts following the Dutch GP, where he was left feeling unsettled by Ferrari's management of team orders.
McLaren is awaiting clarification on the cancellation of Gasly's penalties.
On Tuesday in Paris, the appeal hearings of McLaren and Red Bull Racing regarding the penalties imposed on Pierre Gasly during the Monaco race, which were later revoked, began. Before the hearings started, McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella outlined two issues for which the team seeks clarification.
Jos makes jokes about Zandvoort reverting to 'old junk.'
Formula 1 | Following the departure of Formula 1 from Zandvoort, Jos Verstappen has brought back an old joke regarding the future of the Dutch circuit. I'm curious if it’s going (…)
Minardi: The decisive part of the season is ahead.
In a column on his official website, former team owner Giancarlo Minardi commented on the results of the Dutch Grand Prix...
Colapinto's sponsor criticizes the FIA following the penalties in the Netherlands.
Formula 1 | Franco Colapinto has once again become embroiled in controversy, following allegations from his primary sponsor that FIA stewards caused damage (...)
The FIA responded to the sponsor's claims against Colapinto.
After the finish of the Dutch Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto and his main sponsor Mercado Libre criticized the decisions of the FIA stewards, who penalized the Argentine Alpine driver for overtaking Yuki Tsunoda under double yellow flags.
Honda aims for Alonso to remain as part of its Formula 1 comeback.
Formula 1 | Honda has expressed its desire for Fernando Alonso to stay with Aston Martin as the Japanese company aims to navigate its challenging return in 2026 (...)