Honda Addresses Fernando Alonso’s Amid Aston Martin Struggles

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso got a major endorsement from the team’s engine supplier, Honda, about their desire for him to stay.

Alonso remains uncommitted about his future, with retirement looming at his unprecedented age, though he may still continue driving.

Aston Martin has taken a step back in its racing product over the past few years, struggling to build on the promise of its off-track investments.

Instead, in 2026, with a new regulation cycle starting, they are on the back foot because Honda has struggled to develop a capable power unit.

Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Aston Martin Racing driver Fernando Alonso (14) is introduced before the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The first half of the season has been about trying to finish races and avoid disasters like not finishing.

Unfortunately, the British racing team struggled to even do that, but over the last few races, they seem to be swimming above water relative to their previous level as the worst team on the grid, relative to expectations.

Alonso just took home ninth place at the Dutch Grand Prix in the first race since the summer break. He delivered the result on the second spec engine, which comes with improvements in reliability and performance relative to the field.

May 23, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso (14) during the sprint race of the Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Why Honda wants Alonso to stay

There is still much to extract from the car, but it could be a real turning point, and it shows what Alonso can deliver with adequate machinery, inspiring Honda’s leadership to want Alonso to stay on the team.

“Alonso is a fantastic driver,” Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said. “For us, it’s extremely important to be able to work with him. His feedback on the car is very precise and really helps us move our development forward.

“We want to continue working with Alonso. Being able to take on a challenge alongside a driver with such extraordinary passion is very, very important for Honda.

“And although we are not currently in the position we want to be, together with Alonso our goal is to become one of the leading teams in Formula 1.”