Aston strengthens ownership, Alonso future waits
"We want to overtake our rivals step by step"
Aston Martin has added another powerful figure to its ownership structure just as Honda’s latest engine upgrade arrives at Zandvoort and Fernando Alonso begins talks over whether he will still be racing in 2027.
Robert Wood Johnson, the former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom and an experienced sports investor, has acquired a strategic minority stake in the Formula 1 team and joins its board immediately as vice-chairman.
"His experience, passion and investment further strengthen our position as we enter the next phase of our competitive journey," said team owner Lawrence Stroll.
On the sporting side, that next phase begins this weekend with Honda’s upgraded power unit.
Honda F1 chief engineer Shintaro Orihara faced the Thursday media session in a lighter mood, holding up a sign reading: "Ask me anything ... except the kW or laptime. Nice try, though."
He told reporters: "If we confirm here that our approach is correct on the track, that will give us some confidence," he said.
"So it’s quite important for us to see how this extra power works in the Netherlands, not only in terms of performance but also in terms of handling. Then, we have a development plan for 2027 and 2028, but I can’t say what the target is for then."
"We want to overtake our rivals step by step."
The engine follows Aston Martin’s B-spec chassis introduced before the summer break, but another major question now concerns Alonso.
Marca has reported that a new two-year agreement is possible, although there have also been rumours of a very large salary demand from the 45-year-old.
Alonso himself was far less committal at Zandvoort.
"These aren’t the best rules and the cars aren’t the most fun, but Formula 1 is and always will be my life," he said.
"I’ll be with this team, in one role or another, for the long haul. It’s not a question of who drives next year, or whether I drive for one year or three more."
"I’ll talk to Lawrence and Adrian about the team’s needs, and if they need me to drive, I’ll consider it and be happy. If I’m more useful in another position, I’ll consider it and be happy too."
He admitted, however, that winning a third drivers’ championship is "the ultimate dream".
Top official Mike Krack says the team wants Alonso to stay in the cockpit.
"Negotiations have been going on for months," he said.
"We’re currently waiting for Fernando’s decision, and we’ll act based on that. Our position has always been the same: we want to continue our collaboration with Fernando."
"As I’ve already said, we’re fairly confident we can reach an agreement."