On Wednesday, it was announced that Honda would rejoin F1 as Aston Martin’s full powerplant manufacturer, starting in 2026 when F1 introduces a new engine recipe.

Martin Whitmarsh, chief executive of Aston Martin Performance Technology Group, explained that Silverstone must be independent to achieve continued success, freeing itself from its current engine and transmission supplier Mercedes, which it also acquired from Mercedes. Des rented a wind tunnel.

Plus: Aston Martin’s Honda decision reveals its true state of mind

“It’s clear to us, and I think for Honda, that the 2026 Formula 1 regulations will require a fully integrated chassis and power unit, which can only be provided by a full working team relationship,” he said.

“If you want to win it means beating Mercedes, it’s extremely difficult to beat an organization as good as Mercedes if you rely on Mercedes’ intellectual property, facilities, components, So from my point of view, it’s very, very difficult to consistently win championships without having a full working relationship.”

But while Alonso shared Whitmarsh’s enthusiasm for the Japanese giant’s arrival, he replied “no” when asked if Aston needed a working engine to win the world title.

He said waiting for Honda didn’t mean Aston Martin couldn’t win the title in the next two seasons.

“Especially in 2026, when the new revelation comes, it’s always better if you can develop the power unit together with the chassis and integrate everything in advance,” he said.

“There are only benefits to being a factory team, but that doesn’t mean Aston Martin won’t have a chance of winning the title until 2026.”

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team

Photography: FIA Pool

Attracting Honda is the latest coup, according to Alonso, underscoring the ambitions of the Lawrence Stroll-led team. Aston will move into a brand new, state-of-the-art factory in Silverstone, while a new wind tunnel is also being built.

“It’s great news for the team. Very excited. I think it shows that Aston Martin is committed to really winning races, winning championships independently in the future, making their own gearboxes and everything on the car.

“It’s probably the only way to be really 100 per cent sure that you can control everything in the package, in your car. That bodes well for everyone at Aston Martin. You know the desire to win and The potential is there.”

Alonso will be 44 when the 2026 season starts, but he dodged the question of whether he would still be there when Honda joined.

“I don’t know what I’ll be doing in 2026,” he said. “I would be lying if I told you I now know.

“It’s too far away to really have an idea, so I have to focus and focus on this year.”