In 2026, Formula 1 will introduce a fresh set of regulations for power units and aerodynamics. As a result, Honda will become the official partner of Aston Martin, bringing an end to their collaboration with Red Bull Racing, which began in 2019.
Honda’s return to Formula 1 in 2015 with McLaren was disastrous. However, they made a remarkable comeback and achieved success with Red Bull in 2021, when Max Verstappen secured the Drivers’ Championship.
Since then, Honda has enjoyed a continuous run of triumphs with Red Bull, claiming back-to-back F1 Title doubles in 2022 and 2023. It appears that 2024 is also heading in a similar direction.
This impressive streak has filled Honda with confidence. Koji Watanabe, the motorsport boss at Honda, emphasized that their target for 2026 with Aston Martin is nothing less than the Championship. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Watanabe stated, “We understand that it will be extremely challenging and not as simple, but we need ambitious goals to give our best effort alongside Aston Martin. Therefore, together with [Lawrence] Stroll and Toshihiro Mibe [Honda CEO and president], we have set our sights on winning the world championship in that year. In reality, it won’t be easy.”
Watanabe acknowledged that both Honda and Aston Martin may lack certain elements for success. However, he insisted that they would collaborate to identify what they need to succeed. “There might be something missing [at the moment], but we need to communicate and determine what is lacking on both the Honda and Aston Martin sides. It’s an honest conversation that will enable us to become a top-class team together,” Watanabe added.
Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll made a wise decision by partnering with Honda, aiming to elevate the team to title contention. But how did he manage to persuade Honda?
Watanabe explained, “After we registered as a power unit supplier for 2026, some other teams approached us, expressing interest in working with Honda. We engaged in discussions with those parties and made a decision. Honda was highly impressed by Mr. Stroll’s immense passion and his strong leadership in the pursuit of the world championship in 2026. They invested a significant amount of money to establish the factory in Silverstone. We visited them to witness the construction of the factory. We had several meetings with Martin Whitmarsh and Mike Krack, the management team. They are very transparent, and the entire team is united in their goals. This is a very positive image for us. At the same time, they believe that Honda is an ideal partner for them to become world champions. We have already formed a technical working team and a steering committee to discuss important matters that we can potentially improve,” Watanabe concluded.
Aston Martin recently extended Fernando Alonso’s contract, ensuring that the Spanish driver will be at the forefront of the Honda/Aston Martin partnership on the track in 2026.