Alonso and Honda will reunite in F1 from 2026 now that the two-time world champion has signed a contract extension with Aston Martin.
It is a renewal of a partnership that sparked much frustration when they were together at McLaren from 2015 to 2017, as Honda’s engines proved uncompetitive.
The partnership came to a public climax at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix when Alonso came on team radio and referred to the Honda as a “GP2 engine”.
This difficult relationship had led to doubts about whether Alonso and Honda would ever work together again, but that debate is now settled with their future in F1 settled.
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe explained that his company’s relationship with Alonso has evolved significantly.
Speaking about working with Alonso again following harsh comments he made during the McLaren era, Watanabe said: “When I worked with him from 2015 to 2017, it was a very difficult situation both for Honda and for the team.”
“It was a particularly frustrating time in our history, and there were times when our relations were strained.
“But I think we became stronger because we overcame that frustration. Alonso has also been very active since then.
“I am happy that we can overcome this painful experience together and fight for victory together once again. I hope we can aim for the championship together and win together.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Watanabe revealed he began speaking to Alonso again late last year, with Honda’s deal with Aston Martin in 2026 ensuring they could work together again.
“I talked to him in Las Vegas,” he said. “At the time, he had not yet decided on his next contract.
“But Alonso came while we were talking with [team principal] Mike Krack. He said, “Good luck” and “If we get the chance, let’s run together.” We just said a few words.”
Alonso’s checkered history with Honda has not been ignored by Aston Martin which has concluded negotiations to become the Japanese manufacturer’s factory partner from 2026.
But after discussions about whether there would be a problem with him remaining on board for the new era, Honda made it clear it was happy to have him.
“We have had many conversations with Aston Martin regarding our partnership from 2026,” Watanabe added.
“During this period we also exchanged opinions on the drivers and we shared an understanding between us and Aston Martin that Alonso was definitely a top driver.
“Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared several times.
“But Honda has not made any request on this matter. Regardless, we should naturally discuss what kind of crew we need to win, and it is in this context that the team has decided to extend Alonso’s contract.”
Watch: Alonso commits to Aston Martin with multi-year extension
Alonso and Honda will reunite in F1 from 2026 now that the two-time world champion has signed a contract extension with Aston Martin.
It is a renewal of a partnership that sparked much frustration when they were together at McLaren from 2015 to 2017, as Honda’s engines proved uncompetitive.
The partnership came to a public climax at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix when Alonso came on team radio and referred to the Honda as a “GP2 engine”.
This difficult relationship had led to doubts about whether Alonso and Honda would ever work together again, but that debate is now settled with their future in F1 settled.
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe explained that his company’s relationship with Alonso has evolved significantly.
Speaking about working with Alonso again following harsh comments he made during the McLaren era, Watanabe said: “When I worked with him from 2015 to 2017, it was a very difficult situation both for Honda and for the team.”
“It was a particularly frustrating time in our history, and there were times when our relations were strained.
“But I think we became stronger because we overcame that frustration. Alonso has also been very active since then.
“I am happy that we can overcome this painful experience together and fight for victory together once again. I hope we can aim for the championship together and win together.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Watanabe revealed he began speaking to Alonso again late last year, with Honda’s deal with Aston Martin in 2026 ensuring they could work together again.
“I talked to him in Las Vegas,” he said. “At the time, he had not yet decided on his next contract.
“But Alonso came while we were talking with [team principal] Mike Krack. He said, “Good luck” and “If we get the chance, let’s run together.” We just said a few words.”
Alonso’s checkered history with Honda has not been ignored by Aston Martin which has concluded negotiations to become the Japanese manufacturer’s factory partner from 2026.
But after discussions about whether there would be a problem with him remaining on board for the new era, Honda made it clear it was happy to have him.
“We have had many conversations with Aston Martin regarding our partnership from 2026,” Watanabe added.
“During this period we also exchanged opinions on the drivers and we shared an understanding between us and Aston Martin that Alonso was definitely a top driver.
“Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared several times.
“But Honda has not made any request on this matter. Regardless, we should naturally discuss what kind of crew we need to win, and it is in this context that the team has decided to extend Alonso’s contract.”
Watch: Alonso commits to Aston Martin with multi-year extension