Fernando Alonso raises Aston Martin F1 hopes for 2027: 'Honda are testing a new engine'

Fernando Alonso has once again painted an optimistic picture of Aston Martin's future, as a dreadful 2026 season nears its end.

The team was on the back foot from the moment they took to the track this year, with their Honda power unit conspiring to shake their cars apart with such force that the drivers were warned that more than 25 consecutive laps in the car could cause them permanent nerve damage.

The power unit has, infamously, been the team's Achilles heel this season, with some data showing that their chassis may actually be among the better offerings in the sport.

Much of the problem stems from Honda's slow start in development – having moved a number of its key F1 staff to other departments after announcing their departure at the end of their deal with Red Bull, not moving many of them back when they got into bed with Aston Martin for the 2026 season.

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Alonso: Aston Martin chassis heading in the right direction

Both sides have been playing catch-up since that moment, but Alonso said after a disastrous Mexico Grand Prix on Sunday: "On days like the race, we learn difficult lessons, but the engine department is aware of its problems and difficulties. Right now, they are testing a completely new engine on the dynamometer."

He continued to insist that he trusts that the process will, miraculously, spit out a competitive car for the 2027 season, saying: "I have faith and confidence in next year; it's a completely new project, and the car is heading in the right direction in terms of the chassis."

Alonso has picked up all seven of the team's championship points in the second half of this season, but things have still been deeply challenging for the team – with nine retirements across their two cars at the last eight grands prix, including both Alonso and Lance Stroll retiring after just five laps with engine issues on Sunday.

"It's hard to say now," the veteran Spaniard admitted, "but we all have high hopes for 2027 and we can sort out a lot of things."

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