Alonso details 'advantage' with new F1 commitment

Fernando Alonso believes he will be at an advantage in 2026 when Honda comes on board as Aston Martin's power unit supplier.

Last month Alonso confirmed he had penned an extension with Aston Martin and will race until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.

Alonso will take part in the new cycle of regulations that will be introduced in two years which will see a shake-up to the rules relating to both the aerodynamics and power units.

The new set of regulations has prompted Honda to return as a supplier, joining forces with Aston Martin.

Red Bull is currently running the Japanese manufacturer's engine with a power unit freeze coming into effect in 2022, allowing the Milton Keynes-based squad to continue with the championship-winning engine from 2021.

When asked what assurances he has that Honda will be competitive in 2026, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: “Well, they are winning the championship now.

“They are demonstrating that they have the discipline and the work that is needed to succeed in Formula 1.”

Works team

Alonso endured a difficult period with Honda power units from 2015 to 2017 with McLaren and was critical of the engine's lack of pace and unreliability.

However, with both parties committed to keeping their differences in the past, Alonso highlighted his excitement of racing for a works team once again.

“Obviously, new regulations, no one knows what could happen in 2026. But we are extremely happy to work with Honda.

“And to be, as I said, a works team for the power unit, I think it makes a huge difference to what we currently have.

“So that's a plus and that's one of the reasons that I stayed into the new regulations, and to have the opportunity to work with Honda again.

“I feel that we will have an advantage.”