Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso might be the oldest on the grid but he’s clearly keen to remain in the sport for years to come, as he looks ahead to the team’s new partnership with Honda.
Aston Martin and Honda announced this week that they will work together from 2026, with the manufacturer exclusively providing Aston Martin with engines in the new era of rules.
Alonso had a tricky relationship with Honda in the past during his stint at McLaren, where he criticised the engines and overall car performance, eventually choosing to leave the sport for two years.
Despite Alonso’s previous comments, Honda’s President Toshihiro Sanbe doesn’t have any qualms about working with the Spaniard, stating that the “past story is the past story.”
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“Alonso is a genius driver and a driver that Honda respects,” Sanbe added.
Alonso is only under contract with Aston Martin until 2024 and hasn’t committed to racing beyond that but it’s clear the Spaniard is enjoying his career comeback.
“We have not yet started negotiations with the team regarding the contract after 2026,” Alonso’s manager said recently.
“But there is no doubt that Aston Martin’s contract with Honda will be a strong motivation to continue driving.”
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Having taken four podiums in five races, Alonso appears comfortable at his new team, praising their design for giving him a competitive car.
Although still chasing that illusive 33rd Grand Prix victory, Alonso is focused on taking a third world title, only 44 points behind title-leader Max Verstappen.
With Monaco a track that might favour Aston Martin’s setup, Alonso will be keen to show he can still take P1 when the opportunity arises.