Aston Martin will switch to Honda power from 2026 in what the team is calling “one of the last parts of the jigsaw” towards Formula 1 success.
The Japanese manufacturer has had a rollercoaster relationship with F1 in recent years, announcing they would leave at the end of 2021 before re-engaging in their partnership with Red Bull until 2025.
Due to Honda’s flip-flopping, however, the current world champions opted to create their own Powertrains division for the new engine regulations in 2026 and have also since confirmed they will team up with Ford.
As a result, when Honda decided to develop its own power unit for the new rules in three years time, they needed a new team to use it.
And Aston Martin has now emerged as that team.
“Honda and our new partner, the Aston Martin F1 Team, share the same sincere attitude and determination to win, so starting with the 2026 season, we will work together and strive for the Championship title as Aston Martin Aramco Honda,” said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe.
“Honda has the utmost respect for the FIA, which made a bold decision to introduce new and challenging regulations to ensure the sustainability of both racing activities and the global environment, and for the Formula 1 Group, which has been enhancing the brand value of F1 and ensuring F1’s evolvement as the most prestigious automobile racing in the world.”
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This deal marks a key shift for Aston Martin, who have been a customer team of Mercedes since their days as Force India back in 2009.
And after making huge competitive gains this season, Group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies and former McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh sees a Honda alliance as one of the crucial final steps to building a championship-contending team in F1.
“The new 2026 F1 power unit regulations are a huge and important change, but one which we are confident we can navigate successfully together,” he said.
“Jointly with our strategic partner Aramco, we can look forward to open collaboration towards a common goal.
“Our future works partnership with Honda is one of the last parts of the jigsaw puzzle slotting into place for Aston Martin’s ambitious plans in Formula 1.
“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to our current power unit supplier who we will continue to partner with for the next few seasons.”
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll also welcomed the partnership, adding: “We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track.
“Honda is a global titan and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive.”