Fernando Alonso will love the ‘unusual’ announcement Honda are set to make before the 2026 F1 season

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After a disappointing 2025 campaign, Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso will be hoping that next season is far more positive as the questions over whether he’s finally entering the twilight of his Formula 1 career continue.

Fernando Alonso will turn 45 years old ahead of the final permanent Dutch Grand Prix, and by then, he will know exactly how competitive Aston Martin’s new car is.

When Alonso first joined Aston Martin, they were the best of the rest behind Red Bull during their most dominant season.

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He scored eight podiums that year on his way to P4 in the drivers’ championship, but he hasn’t finished in the top three since.

Alonso could barely contain his frustration at times last season, but there are plenty of reasons for the Spaniard to be hopeful going into 2026.

Their new power unit manufacturer, Honda, might have already hinted that Alonso and Lance Stroll have plenty to get excited about before pre-season even begins.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Honda’s ‘unusual’ 2026 engine announcement suggests they’re already full of confidence

Aston Martin have secured exclusive use of Honda’s power unit going into 2026, and while that doesn’t make them a factory team, it gives them far more control than the likes of McLaren and Williams.

Alonso and Honda haven’t always had the best relationship, but that appears to be behind them now, and already the Japanese engine manufacturer are ready to go heading into next season.

Fans got excited hearing Honda’s 2026 engine for the first time, and on 20 January, they will officially unveil their power unit.

A report from Grada3 has called the decision to launch the engine before Aston Martin reveal their car on 9 February ‘unusual’, and it suggests they have a lot of confidence in what they’ve produced.

Honda haven’t found the same loophole as Mercedes and Red Bull when it comes to the compression ratio of the cylinder volume.

But, Honda are sending a clear message by unveiling their engine so early, and, intriguingly, both Lawrence Stroll and FIA chief Stefano Domenicali will be in attendance at the presentation.

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

What Max Verstappen has previously said about working with Honda ahead of Aston Martin partnership

Honda didn’t have a good time when they were McLaren’s power unit suppliers during Alonso’s spell with the Woking-based team.

However, their partnership with Red Bull was almost unstoppable, and Honda helped Max Verstappen win four championships between 2021 and 2024.

At the Japanese Grand Prix, when Verstappen won from both McLaren drivers, he paid tribute to the work he’s done with Honda over the years in their home country.

He said in his official press conference: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together. And I think this is like a perfect send-off.

“Already yesterday was a very beautiful day for us. And then, of course, to follow it up with a win is just fantastic.

“Honestly, the relationship that we’ve had with Honda has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed my time with them — how they also work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are.”

Alonso has a huge amount of respect for Verstappen and what he’s achieved, and his verdict on Honda will give him a lot of confidence.

Other power unit suppliers will be less public with their 2026 engines, but Honda are keen for everyone to see what they’ve been working on.