Alonso will feature with Aston Martin-Honda from 2026

Fernando Alonso will feature with Aston Martin-Honda from 2026, either as a driver or a team ambassador, we reckon.

Yes, Honda has publicly said that they don't mind Alonso driving a race car powered by their engines, but would anyone come out publicly saying otherwise?

In fact, remember Alonso's Indy 500 bid? He raced a Chevrolet-powered car. It was known, but not publicly declared, that Honda didn't want him to race their engines. 

Mercedes had a similar stance till they relaxed it so that Alonso could race a Mercedes-powered Aston Martin this season.

2026 might seem far away, but Aston Martin will already planning their driver line-up - what's next after Alonso? They will need an A-lister...and Lance Stroll isn't one.

Could this partnership interest Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris? Honda has declared that they would like to a Japanese driver at Aston Martin - could it be Yuki Tsunoda or Ayumu Iwasa? Interesting times ahead.

Here's an upload of a Twitter Spaces conversation between Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah for our avid podcast audience.

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 24)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

## Aston Martin-Honda Partnership and Its Implications for Formula One

### Introduction

- Aston Martin and Honda have announced a partnership, with Honda set to supply engines to the team from 2026 onwards.
- This partnership marks a significant development in Formula One, as it brings together two iconic brands with a rich history in the sport.

### Speculation on Fernando Alonso's Role

- There is speculation about whether Fernando Alonso will continue to race for Aston Martin beyond 2026.
- Honda has publicly stated that they have no objection to Alonso driving a car powered by their engines.
- However, there is a precedent for Honda not wanting Alonso to race with their engines, as seen in his Indy 500 bid where he raced a Chevrolet-powered car.

### Aston Martin's Driver Lineup Post-Alonso

- Aston Martin will need to find a replacement for Alonso once he retires.
- Potential candidates include Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, and Ayumu Iwasa.
- The team is likely already planning their driver lineup for 2026 and beyond.

### Integration Challenges and Manufacturer Collaborations

- Aston Martin has never had a factory partnership before, so the integration of Honda's engines could be challenging.
- However, the recent trend in Formula One has been towards manufacturer collaborations, with teams like Andretti Cadillac Renault and Red Bull Ford emerging.
- This trend is expected to continue in the future, with six manufacturer teams expected to be on the grid in 2026.

### Honda's Return to Formula One

- Honda's return to Formula One is a significant development, as it brings another major manufacturer into the sport.
- Honda has a history of success in Formula One, having won multiple championships with McLaren in the 1980s and 1990s.
- The new engine regulations for 2026 are expected to make the sport more competitive, which could benefit Honda.

### Conclusion

- The Aston Martin-Honda partnership is a major development in Formula One, with the potential to reshape the competitive landscape of the sport.
- The integration of Honda's engines into Aston Martin's cars could be challenging, but the team has a strong track record of success.
- The partnership could also lead to the arrival of a new generation of drivers, as Aston Martin looks to build a team capable of challenging for the championship.