The Honda team will be without their team manager, Alberto Puig, at the Grand Prix of the Americas. It will be the third race weekend in a row that he will miss due to recovery from another surgery on his left leg, which is a battle he has been fighting for over three decades.

Puig’s struggles started back in 1995 at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, where a harsh crash changed his life. The damage done to his leg forced him to retire from racing in 1997. Since then, he has undergone numerous surgeries, and aside from those close to him, no one knows the exact number. What we do know is that his most recent operation took place just before the season opener in Thailand.

Despite his absence from the paddock, Puig remains a key figure at Honda. He has dedicated nearly his entire career to the Japanese manufacturer—first as a rider, winning the 1995 Spanish Grand Prix and earning multiple podiums later on.

Puig is definitely not someone who seeks attention, as he prefers the spotlight to be on his riders and the team. However, Honda recently honored his legacy in their documentary series Behind the Dreams, where Puig opened up about his battle with pain.
“The leg is there, but I barely feel it,” he revealed in the documentary. “The memories of what happened, the surgeries, the pain—it’s been a lifelong struggle.”

Even though he has not been with the team since pre-season testing, Puig stays in contact and closely monitors Honda’s performance. So far, it looks like the 2025 season could be a turning point for the team.

Yet in Austin, Puig won’t be the only one missing. Reigning champion Jorge Martin and Miguel Oliveira are also sidelined.

For now, Puig continues his recovery, hoping to rejoin his team soon.