Newey: Honda Bond Grows Stronger After Disastrous Start

A season that started in disaster for Aston Martin and Honda's reunion is now, in Adrian Newey's own words, becoming something to build on. The team's chief technical officer says the bond between the two is stronger than ever, and he's not the only one saying it.

How Has the Honda-Aston Martin Relationship Changed Since Its Rocky Start?

Adrian Newey has joined Honda in declaring that their strained relationship has improved significantly after a disastrous start to 2026. Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa recently said cooperation between the two organisations had become much stronger as reliability and performance also began to improve. "I think what has really progressed is precisely the relationship," Newey told Marca. "After what can only be described as a disastrous start, the positive aspect - because you always look for positives - is that it has fostered a very close working relationship between Honda and Aston Martin." "We continue to develop that in all areas."

Will a Better Relationship Translate Into Better Results on Track?

Newey believes the improved working relationship should eventually translate into better results. "I'm very pleased with the progress we're making from a relationship standpoint." "Typically, if relationships improve, performance improves as well." Aston Martin made a major step with its heavily revised car in Hungary, while Honda's upgraded engine is due to race at Zandvoort. Further chassis developments are planned for Monza and Baku. "The technical evolution, with regard to the car in Hungary and then the upgrades, as I mentioned, that we will bring to Zandvoort and then to Baku, yes, I think they have been very important steps," Newey said. "It's clear we're trying to make up ground. Will that make us the fastest car? Unfortunately, no." "But does it represent a good step forward from where we were? Yes, I think so."

Is Fernando Alonso Asking for a Big Pay Rise to Stay?

Meanwhile, Business Book GP journalist Marc Limacher claims Fernando Alonso is seeking 40 million euros per season to remain with Aston Martin in 2027 and 2028. "He is currently paid 30 million by the English team," he said. The reported demand comes amid continuing speculation about a possible return to Alpine.

Related: Honda says strained Aston relationship 'better and better'

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Leopold

Leopold Pleijsier founded F1-Fansite.com in 2001 and has followed Formula 1 since the early 1980s. He writes about daily F1 news, race weekends, drivers and the sport’s history.

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