Fernando Alonso's decision to renew and extend his contract might seem straightforward, yet it's potentially a brilliant tactical move, according to an expert analysis.
In a detailed examination by Auto Motor und Sport, it was highlighted how the two-time former world champion described his reasons for his continued commitment to Aston Martin through 2025 and 2026, repeatedly mentioning "Honda" and "Aramco."
While the 2025 Formula 1 regulations will remain largely unchanged, the 2026 season will introduce immense changes. This coincides with Honda transferring its power unit support from Red Bull to Aston Martin.
The Silverstone-based squad might have another significant advantage with its principal sponsor Aramco. The Saudi Arabian government-owned oil giant also serves as Aston Martin's official fuel supplier.
By 2026, the newly designed power units will be required to operate solely on synthetic fuel. Tobias Gruner emphasized that "the know-how of petrol partners will be more important than ever."
Moreover, the electric components in the power units will be significantly increased by 2026, necessitating the combustion engine to "act like a generator at times."
"Otherwise, half of the approximately 1000hp power from the overall system will be missing," explained Gruner.
Furthermore, the 2026 regulations will also reduce the permissible fuel load in the cars. "This means that the quality of the fuel that is used will become increasingly important," he added.
Gruner also mentioned that, "Fuel development in the laboratories and on the test benches is already in full swing" at Aramco.
"Experts expect that Aramco will enter the new era with a head-start. The Arab oil company has already supported the FIA with fuel samples when the new regulations were being written."
"Aramco also supplies the e-fuels that are already being used in Formula 2 and Formula 3. The state-owned company is investing huge sums in the project."
"Development and production facilities have already been set up in Saudi Arabia and Spain in order to take a pioneering role in the field of e-fuels. It will be interesting to see whether the plan works out for Alonso in the end," Gruner concluded.
Pat Symonds, F1's chief technical officer, was quoted by Auto Motor und Sport stating, "We want to create competition between fuel suppliers."
"But we don't want anyone to completely dominate just because they have better fuel."
