Fernando Alonso delivers fresh Honda support after Aston Martin breakthrough

Fernando Alonso has insisted Aston Martin is doing everything it can to support Honda as the Japanese manufacturer works to improve its power unit.

Aston Martin introduced a significant upgrade package at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, helping the team climb away from the foot of the F1 pecking order.

Alonso avoided a Q1 elimination for the first time this season as the Silverstone-based squad showed encouraging signs of progress following a difficult opening phase of the campaign.

While Aston Martin has faced its own struggles with the AMR26, Honda has also encountered setbacks with its power unit.

However, Alonso stressed Honda is not tackling those challenges alone, insisting Aston Martin is working closely with its engine partner as the project continues to develop.

“We are one team, we work together,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365. 

“We know our weakness, and we try to help each other. I think Honda was trying to help some of the weaknesses of the car at the beginning of the year. 

“Now with the chassis, we try to help Honda as much as we can, and also with the consistency from lap to lap on deployment. 

“I think [there is] a lot of help from Aston Martin as well in that regard, on that software department.”

Honda is due to introduce an upgraded engine at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, and it will make its on-track debut at a filming day today.

Alonso stated that trust between the two companies will be crucial to the success of the collaboration.

“It's a long way to go, we understand that, we are aware of that, but this hopefully is the first step,” Alonso added.

“Both factories are gaining confidence and trust in what they do. So that probably will be more important than anything else for the next few months.”