Aug.21 (GMM) 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.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES