New philosophy and 'right people' behind Honda's F1 success - Alonso

Verstappen secured the drivers’ title ahead of Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, giving Honda its first title success in F1 since 1991.

Alonso spent three years with McLaren-Honda from 2015 to 2017 as the partnership didn’t work out at all.

The two-time F1 champion famously described Honda’s underperforming power unit as a "GP2 engine" at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2015.

Alonso believes Honda’s new philosophy and employing the ‘right people’ are the reasons for its return to the top.

“Obviously, when they left McLaren I think they were not at a point of dreaming for Formula 1 championships but they did a very good job, they appointed the right people, I think they changed the management and they introduced a new philosophy. They did the job. I am so happy for them. 

“I was speaking to Yamamoto-San all these three or four last grands prix because I have a very good connection with him, head of motorsport in Honda. He was the guy that allowed me to test the MotoGP etc. and we are still in a good relationship and he was the first guy I congratulated after Max on Sunday in parc ferme. 

“I am happy for them. I am sad that they are leaving now but hopefully they come back.”