A second test with Aston Martin 2026

The last time Alonso handled such a project with Honda was in 2015. At that time, Alonso moved from Ferrari to McLaren. Reason: An ambitious project of the British and the new Honda. The Japanese started the engine regulations then a year late. Alonso was hoping for a golden goal with that change.

The opposite was the case. Alonso gambled with the change. The rest is history. Alonso did not score a podium place with Honda. This is why radio messages like “GP2 Engine!” have entered the history of the first class.

Why the Honda Project 2.0 will be different

But the starting position in 2026 is completely different than in 2015. At that time, Honda entered the Premier class from scratch – and started the new turbo-hybrid regulations with a year delay compared to all other manufacturers.

But since then, Honda has been part of the first class and will start new engine regulations in 2026 with as much development time as all other manufacturers. The Japanese also produced the only powertrain that was able to win a world title alongside Mercedes during the turbo-hybrid era.

“At the moment they dominate the sport and have been world champions for several years,” said Alonso “So I think for 2026 they will have a base that is already very strong, but they also have the ability in Sakura to do something very good “I visited them in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and I know they are very motivated.”

So it is the 2.0 dream that Fernando Alonso is pursuing with Honda in 2026. “After the experience with McLaren, Honda and also IndyCar, now we hope to have the opportunity to work together again. This is a real pleasure for me.” Fernando Alonso is the longest-serving driver in the premier class and will remain so for now, we look back at his previous positions.