Fernando Alonso praises the collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda, convinced that recent progress is the result of collective work.
The Hungarian Grand Prix marked an encouraging turning point for Aston Martin.
Thanks to a significant package of upgrades introduced on the AMR26, the British team showed a level of performance far superior to that observed during the first half of the season.
Fernando Alonso notably avoided elimination in Q1 for the first time this year, proof that the improvements made are starting to take effect.
But for the two-time world champion, these advances are not only the result of work done on the chassis.
“We are one team”
Alonso wanted to emphasize that the collaboration with Honda is ongoing, as the Japanese engine manufacturer also continues to work to close its gap.
The Spaniard believes that the two partners help each other to improve the overall performance of the car.
“We are one team, we work together. We know our weaknesses and we try to help each other.”
According to him, Honda long tried to compensate for certain chassis limitations at the start of the season.
Now, Aston Martin is trying to return the favor.
“Honda tried to compensate for some weaknesses of the car at the beginning of the year. Today, with the chassis, we try to help Honda as much as possible.”
Significant work on software
Fernando Alonso also points out that Aston Martin’s contribution goes far beyond simple chassis development.
Read more Flavio Briatore responds to rumors of Alonso’s return to Alpine
The engineers are notably working on software to optimize the deployment of electric power and improve the engine’s consistency from lap to lap.
“We are also trying to improve the consistency of energy deployment from lap to lap. Aston Martin contributes a lot in this area, especially on all the software side.”
Honda is precisely set to introduce a major upgrade to its power unit at the next Dutch Grand Prix, after a first run planned during a demonstration day.
Essential mutual trust
Despite the progress seen in Hungary, Alonso remains aware that the road is still long before returning to the front runners.
However, he believes that this first step gradually strengthens the trust between the two partners.
“We know there is still a lot of work to do, but we hope this is just the beginning.”
The Spanish driver is convinced that this relationship will be decisive for the future of the project.
“Both factories are gradually gaining confidence in each other’s work. Over the next few months, this mutual trust will probably be more important than anything else.”
After a particularly difficult start to the season, Aston Martin thus hopes to have finally found the right direction. For Fernando Alonso, the first progress observed in Hungary is above all proof that the cooperation between the British team and Honda is beginning to bear fruit.
Read more F1 confirms its plan B for the end of the 2026 season: a decision expected in September