Formula 1: “GP2 engine” was yesterday

Fernando Alonso will remain with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team for another two years. This also means: There will be a very special “union” between the Spaniard and Honda in 2026. Alonso has only warm words left for the engine manufacturer that he previously mocked bitterly.

It was a major humiliation for the proud car and engine manufacturer Honda. At Formula 1’s home race of 2015 at Suzuka, of all places, Fernando Alonso broadcast the words to the McLaren team radio that have troubled the Japanese for years.

“GP2 engine – GP2,” Alonso mocked his Honda engine as Toro Rosso effortlessly swallowed him up the home straight followed by his frustrated “Aaaaarggghhhh!” Run free.

The new version of McLaren-Honda between 2015 and 2017 was a disaster. The proud traditional racing team and two-time world champion Alonso were hopelessly falling behind. Not only, but mainly because of the very poor and unreliable Honda engines.

Well, the tide has turned. The Japanese have been supplying Red Bull since 2019, Max Verstappen won three consecutive world championships with the power of Honda behind him, and the Bulls won the constructors’ championship twice.

Alonso: Honda engine “dominates” Formula 1

If Honda becomes Aston Martin’s exclusive partner when the new engine regulations come into effect in 2026, the situation will be very different to McLaren in 2015.

Alonso knows that too. And because the 42-year-old is smart, he praised him in the media round about extending his contract with Aston Martin.

“One of the reasons for the decision to stay with Aston Martin is that they will be with Honda from 2026. That was very important to me,” said Alonso. “Honda is undoubtedly a manufacturer that has achieved great success in Formula 1 and the world of motorsport. It has always been a company that I have respected.”

It didn’t work out for McLaren at the time, the former champion looked back briefly. “In the following years they solved all the problems and now they dominate the game. They have a very strong engine in Red Bull and AlphaTauri. (Bull Competition, d.Ed.)” said Alonso, referring to the winning streak of Red Bull, Verstappen and Honda.

Alonso thinks that Honda has a good chance to start in 2026. “You also have the ability in Sakura to build something very good,” the old man said.