In this way, Honda will continue in the highest category of motorsport after the introduction of the new regulations, and Aston Martin will be its official team.
Honda had planned to leave Formula 1 after the 2021 season, but after the successes achieved by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the Japanese manufacturer decided to extend its relationship with the Austrian team.
However, Red Bull has opted for a new engine partner for 2026, the season in which the new regulation will come into effect, and will work with Ford from then on, definitively ending its relationship with the Japanese company.
Aston Martin is currently a Mercedes client team, but despite the fact that the Silverstone team denied that the Mercedes engine limited their options, it's no secret that Laurens Stroll wanted his own powertrain to continue the growth of his project.
Will we see Fernando Alonso again with a Honda engine? Alonso has signed a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, which in practice covers the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Alonso's time at McLaren and return of Honda was very difficult due to the performance of the Japanese powertrains, and the Spanish driver made public statements, much to Honda's chagrin.
Now, the Japanese manufacturer is on course to record a third drivers' title and second consecutive constructors' title with Red Bull, a glory that builds on those collected in the 80s and early 90s with the Williams and McLaren teams.
Honda is a company that has a history of growing by taking on challenges and winning world-class races. 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 the energy management technology."
"We believe that the technologies and know-how gained from this new challenge can potentially be applied directly to our future mass production electric vehicles, such as an electric flagship sports model, and electrification technologies in various areas, including eVTOL which is currently under research and development."
"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."
Honda has the utmost respect for the FIA, which made a bold decision to introduce these new and challenging regulations to ensure the sustainability of both racing activities and the global environment, and for the Formula One Group*3, which has been enhancing the brand value of F1 and ensuring F1’s evolvement as the most prestigious automobile racing in the world."
Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin F1 Team: "I would like to welcome Honda and HRC to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team. 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. I would like to thank Mr. Mibe and Mr. Watanabe, and the whole team at HRC as we embark on this exciting future together from 2026."
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation: "In the midst of major changes in our business and the motorsports environment leading toward the transition to a carbon neutral society, we have re-established HRC as an optimal platform to sustain and further evolve motorsport activities as a Honda strength. 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: "I have been fortunate in my career to work with Honda over the years and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with HRC and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team from 2026. The new 2026 F1 power unit regulations are a huge and important change but one which we are confident we can navigate successfully together. 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 One. 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."
Honda’s Participation in F1 Racing
1964 - 1968 Participated as an "all Honda" team responsible for both the engine and chassis, marking Honda’s first victory at the Mexican Grand Prix in 1965
1983 - 1992 Participated as an engine supplier
1986: Won the Constructors’ Championship title as Williams Honda
1987: Won both Drivers' and Constructors' Championship titles
1988-1991: Won both Drivers' and Constructors' Championship titles for four consecutive years as McLaren Honda
2000 - 2005 Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis for BAR Honda
2006 - 2008 Participated as an "all Honda" team responsible for both engine and chassis
2015 - 2017 Participated as a power unit supplier. Supplied the power unit to McLaren team
2018- Started supplying power units to Toro Rosso (currently, Scuderia Alpha Tauri)
2019- Started supplying power units to Red Bull Racing
2021 Max Verstappen won the Drivers’ Championship title for Red Bull Racing Honda
Honda Concluded F1 participation
2022 HRC began providing technical support to Red Bull Powertrains
Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen won both the Drivers’ and Constructors' Championship titles
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