Fernando Alonso is a man who knows pretty much everything about the Honda engine having used it in the back of the McLaren for three seasons. But he remains, unsurprised, unmoved and happy for both parties involved.
Honda didn’t have any good times with McLaren, and things haven’t really got any better with Toro Rosso this season. Gasly made it into 4th place at Bahrain, but everything else seems pretty much standard. Alonso was asked about the new deal and if he thinks it would work.
“We don’t have all the data, all the things they have so I’m happy for them if they take this decision, and happy for Honda to show their commitments to F1 and for the future and at the same time, it’s not a surprise,” Alonso told reporters.
“There were some talks, some rumours for a couple of months already about this relationship, and now it’s official.”
Fernando went on to confirm that McLaren are in a better situation now they are working with Renault. They made the reverse move at the start of this season.
“Last year, at this point, we had zero points, and this year we are seventh in the Drivers Championship and fifth in the constructors - the relationship is better and healthier than ever,” added the Spaniard.