WATCH: “GP2 engine,” When Fernando Alonso embarrassed Honda in front of it’s home fans at the 2015 Japanese GP

Fernando Alonso was not hesitant in calling out the Japanese engine manufacturer of Honda at its home race in 2015.

WATCH: “GP2 engine,” When Fernando Alonso embarrassed Honda in front of it’s home fans at the 2015 Japanese GP

Fernando Alonso at the Japanese GP 2015 (via espn).

Veteran Fernando Alonso has been in Formula 1 for quite a while now. Fernando Alonso hopes for Aston Martin to showcase improvements over the winter break. Certainly, the 42-year-old has had some frustrating times in his career including the 2015 Japanese GP, when he was driving for McLaren.

The Asturian had a very difficult time around the Asian circuit of Japan in 2015. The McLaren MP4-30 was fit was powered by Japanese auto giant Honda. However, the power unit had serious internal issues and caused a very disappointing Japanese GP for Fernando Alonso.

From the get-go, it was depicted that Alonso’s teammate Jensen Button had a much easier race as compared to the then-34-year-old. Hence, on lap Six, Alonso had to give in and channel his frustrations to his race engineer in between. The Spaniard screamed that the engine felt like an engine from GP2 and added that it was extremely embarrassing.

It feels like GP2. Embarrassing. Very embarrassing. I'll do my best...
Alonso told his race engineer (H&T: espn).

However, on the 26th lap, Alonso had constant pressure from Daniil Kvyat but subsequently later had to lose position due to Max Verstappen cruising past him with ease. During this overtake, the veteran renounced the ‘GP2 Engine’ remark and displayed anger. Regardless, the Spaniard finished P11 and empathized with other drivers behind him who couldn’t overtake him even with these issues.

GP2 engine! GP2 engine! Agggh! What are the drivers we are racing with? Unbelievable ... Poor guys.

Aston Martin set to use Honda power units in 2026

Aston Martin announced Honda as its new power unit supplier for the new 2026 F1 regulations. However, Fernando Alonso’s past nightmare might see a repeat in the following season. As the Spaniard might reunite with the same engine partner whom he was complaining about during the Japanese GP of 2015. Although, it is unclear if the 42-year-old will stay at the Silverstone-based team by 2026.

Fernando Alonso in the AMR23.
Fernando Alonso in the AMR23 (via Sky Sports F1).

In 2023, the Silverstone-based constructor fitted the Mercedes engine, experiencing remarkable results and pace throughout the season. Despite the decent success with its existing partners, Lawrence Stroll announced that the AMR26 would feature the all-new Honda power units. With the British team becoming a full-fledged works team in 2026.

The Aston Martin team has put forth great results in this season as the Veteran finished an astonishing P4 in the driver’s standings even after being in a mid-field car. The Canadian counterpart, Lance Stroll had a comparatively difficult time with the AMR23 as he finished just P10 in the championship standings.

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