Honda is already testing the 2027 engine: «It's a completely new project»
Fernando Alonso confirms that Honda is already testing the 2027 power unit on the dynamometer. The Asturian is hopeful that the new project will allow to leave behind the problems that have affected Aston Martin's season.
The first year of partnership with Honda is proving to be much more complicated than expected for Aston Martin. The AMR26 has suffered significant performance and reliability issues, and the Japanese manufacturer has not been able to provide Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll with a power unit capable of competing on equal terms with their rivals.
The latest example of this situation came at the Mexican Grand Prix, where both drivers had to retire after completing barely five laps. Honda acknowledged that the cooling circuit of the ERS system had endured a load higher than anticipated due to the altitude, a new setback that once again highlighted the shortcomings of the project.
However, the Japanese manufacturer has been working for some time to make the situation different in 2027. In fact, Fernando Alonso has confirmed that the new engine is already being tested on the test bench.
«The engine department is aware of the problems and difficulties. They are testing a completely new engine on the dynamometer, it is a completely new project», revealed the Asturian driver.
Honda has therefore ruled out introducing another update to the current power unit and instead is focused on developing an engine from scratch. This decision was made after confirming that the design concept of the 2026 engine significantly limits its evolution capabilities.
Honda prepares two major steps for 2027
Alonso's confirmation comes after Shintaro Orihara, Honda's chief engineer in Formula 1, explained the Japanese manufacturer's development plans for the next season.
The intention is to introduce a significant first upgrade to the power unit at the start of the championship, although Honda does not expect to be on par with the best manufacturers yet. The goal is to reduce the performance gap and deliver a second, more significant upgrade around the eighth race, expected in June.
Combustion still remains one of the main weaknesses that Honda needs to address. It also needs to improve other aspects related to power delivery and hybrid system management, which have affected the Aston Martin throughout the championship.
In any case, Alonso conveys much more confidence when discussing the upcoming project than when analyzing the current situation. The Spaniard believes there are reasons to think that the team can make a significant leap, both due to Honda's work and the evolution of the chassis.
«I have to say that I have faith and confidence in next year. It will be, I repeat, a completely new project and the chassis is also moving in the right direction. We all have high hopes for next year and I know we can solve many things», he expressed.
Alonso accepts Aston Martin's anonymity while waiting to surprise
The two-time world champion has also reflected on the situation the team is going through and the lack of recognition accompanying a season without standout results.
Alonso knows that media attention and public recognition largely depend on results. A reality he has accepted during this period, convinced that Aston Martin will be able to draw attention again when it has the necessary tools to demonstrate its true potential.
«You only show people what you are capable of when you are on the podium or on television. That’s when they open their eyes and suddenly remember that you’re still on the grid. So now I am at peace with this period of anonymity where no one knows that we are still here and that we remain fast. We are preparing for the moment of truth, and that will be a surprise for everyone», he declared.
For now, that surprise will have to wait. Aston Martin needs Honda to transform the work being done in Sakura into a competitive and reliable power unit. The fact that the 2027 engine is already on the dynamometer is an important step, but there is still much development ahead before knowing if Alonso will have the project he has been waiting for years.
* This news is an AI translation of the original content. Motenic.com is part of Motor.es.