Honda say Aston Martin must sign drivers 'we need to win'

Honda wants Aston Martin to select the best possible driver combination for the 2026 season.

Aston Martin have completed a critical signing ahead of their 2026 partnership with Honda. More accurately, the British outfit reached a contract extension with Double World Champion Fernando Alonso. The team is investing heavily into their infrastructure and facilities, working to bring themselves to the very front of F1. Alongside this financial commitment, the best possible driver line-up is also essential.

In this sense, retaining Alonso was a no-brainer. There were some whispers about whether Honda would be interested in collaborating with the Spaniard for a second time. Their previous partnership, after all, was difficult for both the driver and engine manufacturer. However, times have changed. Honda has made clear that Fernando Alonso is a driver who can create a winning line-up at Aston Martin.

Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, emphasised that driver quality is the priority.

Honda wants strong drivers at Aston Martin

Watanabe also explained there have been (and will be in the future) extensive conversations with Aston Martin about driver selection for 2026:

“We had many conversations with Aston Martin regarding our partnership starting from 2026,” he told motorsport.com.

“During that time, we exchanged opinions about drivers too, and we shared an understanding between us and Aston Martin – that Alonso was definitely a top-class driver. 

“Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared at various stages. 

“But Honda did not make any requests regarding this matter. In any case, we should naturally discuss what kind of driver line-up we need to win.”

The Lance Stroll question

Evidently, the Aston Martin and Honda partnership is one of the most exciting in Formula 1. The Japanese manufacturer is well-equipped to fight at the very front. Not only can they provide the Silverstone-based team with an elite power unit but also a greater sense of autonomy.

The inherent limitations of being a customer team generally make Championship contention difficult. Currently, Aston is somewhat limited by the gearbox and engines provided by Mercedes. Therefore, the 2026 season will be the start of a new chapter for Lawrence Stroll’s personnel.

Returning to the topic of driver selection, Aston Martin has a decision to make. Up until now, Lance Stroll has enjoyed an essentially guaranteed position. Currently, there are no indications the team has changed its stance on the Canadian. Provided that Lawrence Stroll continues as owner, the 25-year-old is unlikely to be replaced.

However, perhaps Honda could add a new variable to the equation. With so many drivers available in the market, Aston will have to justify why Stroll is worth overlooking so many attractive options elsewhere.

Someone like Yuki Tsunoda, for example, has been described as a desirable option for Honda in the past. With the Japanese driver showing continued growth, he could undoubtedly improve Aston Martin’s driver lineup in 2026 and beyond.