Honda to check Fernando Alonso's Singapore engine at factory after denying his turbo was broken

Honda will examine the power unit components it removed from Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin at the Singapore Grand Prix, even though the Japanese manufacturer insists the turbocharger the Spaniard described as broken was in fact working. Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara said the parts were changed purely on the strength of Alonso's feedback, and that the factory will use the two-week gap before the United States Grand Prix to confirm whether anything was wrong.

Alonso's claim

After qualifying at Marina Bay, Alonso said the turbo he had used on Saturday was broken and had to be replaced whatever the consequences. Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, he described the change as one that had been forced on the team.

Aston Martin made power unit changes on both cars under parc ferme conditions, which meant Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll both started Sunday's race from the pit lane. The weekend did not improve from there. Alonso finished 16th and was well outside the points at a circuit where the team had hoped the lower demand on engine power would play to the AMR26's strengths.

During the race Alonso also reported problems with energy deployment, especially at restarts after virtual safety car periods.

Honda's response

Orihara addressed the issue at a media briefing and rejected the description of a failure. "It was not broken," he said, adding that Honda's data had not shown a major issue. He explained that the team regards the driver as the best sensor available, which is why the unit was replaced anyway.

He also acknowledged that Honda still has work to do. Orihara said energy harvesting varies corner by corner at Marina Bay, and that the manufacturer needs to fine-tune driveability and boost, particularly when a car is following another closely. He described the current regulations as very complicated.

Two weeks to find answers

The removed components will be analysed back at Honda's factory, alongside data from qualifying and the race. Orihara said the team has two weeks before Formula 1 returns at the Circuit of the Americas, and it intends to check everything to make sure the parts are functioning correctly.

Driveability has been an issue for Honda throughout 2026, its first season as Aston Martin's works engine partner under the new power unit rules. Getting on top of it before the final six rounds would be important for both the team and the manufacturer.

What comes next for Aston Martin

The disagreement is unusual mainly because it played out in public. Alonso is famously direct about his machinery, and his comment about the turbo was taken by many as a sign of frustration with the power unit's performance. Honda's measured reply avoided an argument while still making clear that the data did not back up a failure.

For Aston Martin, the priority is a cleaner weekend. The United States Grand Prix runs from 23 to 25 October in Austin, and that will be the first chance to see whether Honda's checks lead to any improvement.

Key takeaways

• Fernando Alonso said his Singapore turbo was broken; Honda says it was not.
• Honda changed the parts anyway because of Alonso's feedback, with both Aston Martins starting from the pit lane.
• Alonso finished 16th in the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Honda will analyse the components and data at its factory before the US Grand Prix on 23-25 October.

FAQ

Was Fernando Alonso's turbo broken in Singapore? Alonso said it was, but Honda's Shintaro Orihara said the data showed no major issue and the turbo was not broken.

Why did both Aston Martins start from the pit lane? The team changed power unit components on both cars under parc ferme conditions, which sends a car to the pit lane for the start.

Where did Alonso finish in Singapore? He finished 16th, outside the points.

Sources: Crash.net, PlanetF1, RacingNews365, RaceFans