Honda to return to Formula 1 in 2026 as works engine supplier to Aston Martin
- Rob Fleming
- 25 May 2023
Japanese manufacturer Honda will return to Formula 1 in 2026 as the works power unit supplier to Aston Martin.
Japanese automaker Honda have revealed plans for a full-scale comeback to Formula 1 in 2026, partnering with Aston Martin as their works power unit supplier.
Honda's departure from the sport at the end of 2021 marked the end of a successful seven-year tenure, which culminated in Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinching the drivers' World Championship.
While Honda continued to support Red Bull with power units until 2025, the team's decision to develop their own in-house division, with the support of American car giant Ford, led Honda to seek a new collaboration.
The allure of F1's new engine regulations for 2026, featuring a focus on 100% sustainable fuels and increased emphasis on electric power, aligned with Honda's commitment to carbon neutrality and their automotive objectives.
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe expressed their motivations to media on Wednesday, stating, "The world's pinnacle form of racing is striving to become a sustainable racing series, which is in line with the direction Honda is aiming toward carbon neutrality, and it will become a platform which will facilitate the development of our electrification technologies."
Mibe further emphasized Honda's history of success and the significance of the upcoming regulations, stating, "With the new 2026 regulations, the key for winning will be a compact, lightweight, and high-power electric motor with a high-performance battery capable of handling high and swift power output, as well as energy management technology." He also highlighted the potential application of the technologies and expertise gained from this venture in Honda's future mass production electric vehicles and other electrification projects.
Expressing the spirit of collaboration, Mibe announced, "Starting with the 2026 season, we will work together and strive for the Championship title as Aston Martin Aramco Honda. Honda and our new partner, the Aston Martin F1 Team, share the same sincere attitude and determination to win." The Honda CEO praised the FIA and the Formula 1 Group for their commitment to sustainability and the evolution of the sport.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll commended Honda's rich motorsport legacy, stating, "Honda is a global titan, and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive. We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track." Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, expressed Honda's commitment to evolving motorsport activities in the face of industry and environmental changes, stating, "We will establish sustainable operational structures for our racing activities and continue to deliver more dreams and excitement for motorsports fans all around the world."
Martin Whitmarsh, Group CEO of Aston Martin performance technologies, acknowledged the significance of the upcoming power unit regulations, expressing confidence in navigating the changes. He said, "Jointly with our strategic partner Aramco, we can look forward to open collaboration towards a common goal." Whitmarsh also thanked Aston Martin's current power unit supplier, Mercedes, with whom they will continue to work until the end of 2025.
Watanabe clarified that Honda's partnership with Aston Martin would be exclusive, stating, "Honda has no plans to supply power units to any other parties" beyond Aston Martin from 2026 onward. With Honda entering their fifth stint in Formula 1, the collaboration with Aston Martin marks a pivotal step for both companies, uniting their determination to succeed and contribute to the development of sustainable racing and automotive technologies.
