Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack has asserted that Fernando Alonso was not involved in talks to sign Honda as its engine supplier.
In 2026, Aston Martin will link up with Honda as the Japanese manufacturer has opted to return to the sport following its official exit two years ago.
Prior to its departure at the end of the 2021 season, Honda enjoyed a successful number of seasons with Red Bull and continues to offer technical support to the new Red Bull Powertrains division.
However, all association will conclude at the end of 2025, ahead of the new cycle of engine regulations that will come into play the following year.
“The objectives have not changed, we want to improve year by year, we have made a step but 2022 we did not make a step, so it is already the first challenge to improve next year,” Krack said ahead of Honda’s arrival.
“And I’m sure we will improve but it does not mean we will improve on the position on the track, it’s very relative competition.”
Alonso has history with the Honda brand, enduring a difficult period with it from 2015 to 2017 when he raced with McLaren.
He was publicly critical of its power units during that period – however both parties have asserted that they have no issues working together again.
Krack says that Alonso, as well as team-mate Lance Stroll, were not involved in talks to bring Honda into partnership with Aston Martin.
“Fernando was not involved in the discussions but he was always kept in the loop,” he said.
“We wanted to have his thoughts, his opinions, as we do with every topic, because he’s a key member of the team, as is Lance.
“So I think we have a very good relationship with our drivers, you see it, you listen to the radio, so they are both always involved.
“We are fortunate to have also Pedro, who has some relationships, so all in all it’s a very strong team so we do not say the drivers are there, the engineers are there, it’s one big group where everyone’s opinions count.”
