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.’”