Aston Martin and Honda have agreed to a strategic partnership that will take effect in 2026. Honda will end its engine supply to Red Bull and instead provide power units exclusively to Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin outfit, a collaboration announced on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix. During a press conference in Monte Carlo, team principal Mike Krack shared more details about the agreement and addressed a prominent question about the driver lineup: could Fernando Alonso remain with the team when Honda joins?
“Fernando was not part of the negotiations with Honda, but he stayed fully informed throughout the process. We valued his input and wanted to hear his perspective on every aspect of the project because he plays a central role in the team”, Krack explained, adding that Alonso remains a key figure within the organizational structure.
Krack also indicated there was no reason to doubt Alonso’s presence in the car for 2026. Even though Alonso would be 45 years old when the partnership with Honda begins, the team principal from Luxembourg was clear: there is no expectation that he should depart. He underscored that Alonso’s stay could align well with the new technical and strategic direction the alliance will pursue.
In a recent interview with Marca, Alonso himself touched on the possibility of extending his Formula 1 career beyond his current contract. He acknowledged the upcoming rule changes and the new engine era expected in 2026, saying he feels tempted to continue. One of Alonso’s strongest supporters in the early phase of the collaboration, Martin Whitmarsh, who previously led McLaren and now serves as head of Aston Martin Performance Technologies, helped shape the Honda deal. Whitmarsh expressed confidence that Honda can be a powerful partner for Aston Martin and suggested that Alonso could remain in the sport for several more years, highlighting the potential for him to drive the car in 2026.
Krack emphasized that the future collaboration hinges on how the 2026 power unit regulations integrate with chassis development. Since last February, teams have held workshops and group meetings to align design priorities. The goal is to create a chassis that is fully compatible with the new energy management and aerodynamics rules. Krack noted that a clearer working arrangement with Honda could yield substantial benefits, enabling better energy management planning and more precise aerodynamic configuration as the new regulations take shape. Such coordination is expected to bring a notable advantage under the forthcoming rules framework.
Yesterday, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe commented on past tensions with Alonso during the McLaren era, saying that those issues are behind them. He said there would be no veto against Alonso if he chooses to stay with Aston Martin. Mibe highlighted Honda’s commitment to winning and expressed respect for Alonso’s talent and his potential impact on the manufacturer’s collaboration with the team. This statement reinforced the sense that the relationship between Honda and Aston Martin could be a long-lasting and productive one, anchored by mutual goals and shared ambitions for success on the track.