Honda has publicly stated its ambition to secure a Formula 1 world championship for Fernando Alonso, despite the Aston Martin team’s challenging start to the 2026 season. This objective aligns with the Japanese manufacturer’s full-scale return to the sport as Aston Martin’s exclusive power unit supplier.
The partnership, officially branded as Aston Martin Aramco Honda, commenced with the current 2026 season. Honda’s re-entry marks a significant commitment, having previously concluded its works involvement in 2021 and a power unit support deal with Red Bull at the close of 2025.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations introduced substantial changes to power unit architecture. These include a significant increase in electrical energy output, with the MGU-K tripling in potency to 350kW, while the internal combustion engine’s output reduced to 400kW.
The new rules also mandated the removal of the MGU-H and the exclusive use of 100% sustainable fuels. Honda developed its RA626H power unit specifically for these revised technical specifications.
Despite these developments, Honda admitted prior to the season that its 2026 power unit project for Aston Martin would not be competitive. Initial pre-season testing in Barcelona confirmed significant performance fluctuations and reliability concerns.
Aston Martin has endured a difficult first half of the 2026 campaign, currently occupying tenth position in the constructors’ standings with only one point. This performance deficit has been attributed to both power unit and chassis issues.
Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin was initially set to conclude at the end of the current season. However, reports from August 7, 2026, indicate he is poised to sign an extension through the 2027 season.
An official announcement regarding Alonso’s extended tenure is anticipated as early as this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This commitment comes despite the team’s struggles and Alonso’s own reservations about the 2026 regulations.
Alonso has voiced concerns regarding the driving experience under the new rules, specifically mentioning circuits like Spa and Silverstone. He stated that driving these cars in such locations is not his future aspiration.
However, Honda’s chief engineer, Shintaro Orihara, confirmed the manufacturer’s clear objective. Orihara stated, ‘That is our target, definitely. So we are working closely, and we know he is a great driver.’
‘He has a big passion, and he trusts Honda. So we want to bring what he wants, that is definitely our target.’
Alonso himself has expressed ‘100% faith’ in Honda’s capability to resolve the current power unit issues. He acknowledges that the timeline for these improvements may not align perfectly with the remainder of his career.
Encouraging signs emerged at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where a significant upgrade package for the AMR26 delivered tangible pace gains. Alonso reached Q2 for the first time this season, indicating a shift towards midfield competitiveness.
Honda is also scheduled to introduce an upgraded engine at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which marks the beginning of the second half of the season. This development aims to provide a further performance step for the AMR26.
The Aston Martin AMR26 is the first car designed for the team by Adrian Newey, who joined the Silverstone-based outfit. His involvement is seen as a key factor in the team’s long-term technical direction.
