F1 Aston Martin: Fernando Alono’s ‘GP2 engine’ comments didn’t stop Honda

With the announcement that Fernando Alonso will stay with Aston Martin for another two years, it also means that the two-time champion will be reunited with Honda. The last time the two sides formed a partnership, the Spaniard called the power unit the ‘GP2 engine’ and HRC CEO Koji Watanabe explains that the strained relationship has now been restored.

Honda returned to the Premier class in 2015 as McLaren’s engine supplier. The partnership sounded promising, but the racetrack from Woking turned out to be a big hog for the Japanese. The power unit still had to overcome some teething problems and these were often evident during the race weekend. Various failures, but also the lack of power were the main problems. Things went from bad to worse during the Japanese Grand Prix in 2015. Alonso was overtaken on the straight by a certain Max Verstappen and then he could no longer control himself and the frustration was palpable.

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Alonso is top notch

It wasn’t Honda’s reason to skip Aston Martin, Watanabe says Motorsport.com: “We have had many discussions with Aston Martin about our partnership from 2026. At that time we also exchanged ideas about the drivers and it was agreed between us and Aston Martin that Alonso was undoubtedly a top class driver.”

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Honda has no problem with Alonso

Although there was no doubt about Alonso’s qualifications, Aston Martin wanted to be sure that Honda had no problems with the future partnership. “Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems for Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared at several stages. But Honda has not made any request on this issue.”

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