Alonso’s Honda frustration boils over in Mexico

Fernando Alonso’s frustration with Honda reached a new level in Mexico, after a weekend that ended with both Aston Martins retiring within seven laps.

Honda had warned before the weekend that Mexico City’s altitude could worsen the power unit’s limitations, and Alonso’s mood deteriorated as those fears materialised.

At one point during the weekend, his answers became almost monosyllabic.

Asked what the problem was, Alonso simply replied: "Engine."

After the race, he was more expansive - but no less critical.

"The car is very good, but we can’t do more than a certain number of laps with the engine," said the Spaniard.

Alonso said the chassis itself is not the concern.

"I was optimistic. We missed a great opportunity, so the frustration is beyond imagination," he said.

"I focus everything on performing as well as possible behind the wheel, but I’m not able to accumulate enough laps."

The Spaniard is already looking towards 2027.

"I hope we can learn our lesson and be better prepared for next season," said the two-time champion.

Honda’s Shintaro Orihara struck a similar tone after the race.

"At each race this year, we need to learn for 2027, even the hard lessons," said the Japanese.

"We have a lot of data that we can bring back to this circuit next year, including on the turbo lag, and we will work on the solutions."