Alonso says Aston Martin is “back to square one” with new Honda engine

Key takeaways

• Mixed feelings on Honda upgrade: Fernando Alonso scored points at the Dutch GP, but noted that driveability and gear shifts regressed with the new Honda power unit.
• Optimization window: The Spaniard expects it will take two or three races to dial in the engine settings following the ADUO framework update.
• Low expectations for Monza: Alonso warned that Monza will be one of Aston Martin’s hardest tracks, with minimal hopes of scoring points given the engine’s current state.

Despite scoring points for just the second time in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Fernando Alonso left the Dutch Grand Prix with mixed feelings regarding the latest evolution of the Honda power unit. The two-time World Champion acknowledged that the Japanese manufacturer will need several race weekends to optimize the engine, as driveability and gear shift smoothness have reverted to being major concerns.

After introducing a substantial chassis package featuring 16 upgrades at the Hungarian GP, the Silverstone-based squad arrived in Zandvoort with engine improvements introduced under the ADUO (Additional Development and Update Opportunities) system. While drivers noted better overall power delivery, other core characteristics degraded.

“With the engine, we have to wait. I don’t think this weekend delivered the result we were expecting,” Alonso confessed to Spanish newspaper AS. “We don’t have that driveability or that gear shifting that we had improved with the first engine. We went back to square one a bit with this second one. We have two or three races ahead to optimize it,” he added.

Unlike Hungary and Zandvoort—two high-downforce circuits where engine output is less critical—F1 moves next to Monza, the ultra-fast ‘Temple of Speed’. Because of this layout, Alonso downplayed any expectations of securing a top-10 finish in Italy.

“Monza will be one of our worst tracks and there will be no chance of scoring points, but we will try to improve this driveability aspect,” he noted. “If we had brought this package and seen that we were not performing well in the corners, that would have been worrying. But now that we have a clear direction on the chassis side, it’s just a matter of optimizing and working flat out on this package,” Alonso concluded.

Alonso’s comments come amid high-stakes activity across the paddock, following Mercedes justifying team orders that saved race time for George Russell in the Netherlands and Lewis Hamilton taking responsibility for his heated Zandvoort radio messages. Meanwhile, Honda previously expressed confidence in its partnership, citing Fernando Alonso’s trust in its engine project and hope for an extended F1 stay.

Formula 1 returns from September 4–6 at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of all track action. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 5 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What issues did Fernando Alonso report with the new Honda engine at Zandvoort?

Alonso reported problems with driveability and gear shifting smoothness, stating that the new engine specification lost several refinement gains achieved with the previous unit.

2. Why was Honda allowed to update its power unit mid-season?

The updates were permitted under Formula 1’s ADUO (Additional Development and Update Opportunities) framework for the 2026 power unit regulations.

3. What are Alonso’s expectations for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza?

Alonso expects Monza to be one of Aston Martin’s hardest races of the year, stating the team will likely have no chance of scoring points due to power unit limitations.