May26 (GMM) Fernando Alonso’s personal manager says it is possible the 41-year-old will race with a works Honda in 2026.
Although the two-time champion Honda’s former alliance at McLaren ended badly, Honda chairman Toshihiro Sanbe has urged him not to veto Aston Martin’s right to choose its own drivers for the next era of engine regulations.
“A story from the past is a story from the past,” said the Japanese.
“Alonso is a brilliant driver and driver that Honda respects.”
Alonso only has a contract with the currently Mercedes-powered Aston Martin for 2023 and 2024, so he insisted he didn’t know if he would still be racing at 44.
“And then, racing Honda again, no, it won’t be a problem for me at all,” he said in Monaco.
“I know it didn’t work out last time, but I think they’ve proven that they have a competitive package now. It’s a new set of rules (for 2026) but I think it’s going to be a very exciting project for sure.”
And Aston Martin seems keen to keep Alonso on board as part of the Honda project.
“There is no reason to believe that he will not be with us in the car in 2026,” team boss Mike Krack told Spanish newspaper AS.
“I can’t think of a single reason why he won’t be here.”
The Japanese journalist as-web.jp then asked Alonso’s personal manager, Alberto Fernandez Albilares, about Honda’s speculation in Monaco.
“I never thought Fernando was a problem in my relationship with Honda,” insisted Fernandez.
“He has always been attentive to other issues as well as Honda and still has respect for the Honda organization and Honda staff as Fernando said himself at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP,” he added.
“I think you can deduce that from the fact that he visited the Honda staff at the time and encouraged them to win the championship.”
A Japanese journalist then asked Alonso directly if he would be powered by Honda in 2026.
“My contract money is high,” the Spaniard joked before adding, “Let’s go together to Shibuya (Tokyo) again.”
Alonso’s manager Fernandez then insisted: “We have not yet entered into negotiations with the team on a post-2026 contract.
“But there is no doubt that Aston Martin’s contract with Honda will be a strong incentive to keep driving.”
Another rumor is that even if Alonso retires from driving by 2026, he could have a technical role at Aston Martin-Honda.
“There’s so much going on that it’s normal to get excited and want to be part of this team for many, many years,” he said.
“Whether as a driver or in any other role, I will be simply honored to be a part of it.”
