Honda admits Mexico issue behind Alonso and Stroll's double DNF nightmare

Honda has acknowledged responsibility for Aston Martin's double retirement at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Japanese manufacturer admitted it underestimated the cooling demands of its power unit at the high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both stopped in the opening laps. Honda's post-race report revealed that the energy recovery system's cooling circuit faced greater strain than anticipated.

Shintaro Orihara, Honda's trackside general manager and chief engineer, explained that the team recognized the challenge of Mexico City's altitude, but not to this extent. The thinner air at nearly 2,250 meters above sea level cooled the car less effectively, forcing the turbocharger to work harder for oxygen. Orihara added that the team's data from all three practice sessions showed nothing unusual, leaving Honda unaware of the issue until it appeared during the weekend.

The problem first surfaced during qualifying, where Alonso was instructed to stop with a suspected ERS-related water pressure issue. The same MGUK issue resurfaced in the race, prompting both Alonso and Stroll to retire. This was the fifth time in the season that both Honda-powered Aston Martins failed to complete a race. Aston Martin currently holds tenth place in the constructors' championship with seven points, all scored by Alonso.

Team principal Adrian Newey expressed disappointment, noting that despite Alonso's strong pace during practice, the team fell short on race day.