Aston Martin Set to Join Forces with Honda in F1 from 2026

The Aston Martin Formula One Team is poised to get a new engine supplier, as Honda plans to make a full-scale return to Formula One (F1) in 2026. The Japanese manufacturer’s return to the pinnacle of motorsports will see them becoming the works power unit (PU) supplier to AM.

Prior to this, Honda has left the F1 foray back in 2021, after supplying power units for teams like McLaren, Alpha Tauri/Toro Rosso, as well as Red Bull. Honda’s relationship with the latter proved to be a successful one, as the firm helped Red Bull ace and current F1 champion Max Verstappen to clinch his maiden World Drivers’ Championship (WCC) title during Honda’s last season as a full-blown PU supplier.

Red Bull's RB19 Formula One Car - one of the cars in the F1 2023 grid that is powered by Honda-backed Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT)

Currently, Honda continues their relationship with Red Bull, but this time as a power unit support team, as the Milton Keynes-based outfit is forming its in-house power unit division. This deal will last until 2025, as Red Bull recently penned a deal with Ford to further develop and expand its power unit division from 2026 onwards.

2026 will be a significant year for the sport, as the FIA and F1 are set to implement new engine regulations for that season. This revelation has prompted Honda to make a full-blown return to F1 as power unit supplier, as the new regulations warrant the power units to run 100% on sustainable fuels, while putting more emphasis on its electrical power.

Honda Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe (left) with Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll (right) shook hands during the partnership announcement

“One of the key reasons for our decision to take up the new challenge in F1 is that 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,” said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe.

Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team's AMR23 Formula One Car

Aston Martin, on the other hand, currently employs the Mercedes-Benz power unit. The Silverstone-based outfit has partnered with the German automaker since 2009, with the current power unit, gearbox and rear suspension supply deal set to end by 2025.

This timely coincidence, plus Aston Martin’s stellar performance so far this season, has convinced Honda’s board members enough to partner with AM for its 2026 F1 return.

“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,” the CEO added.

Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll

Commenting on this newly-signed partnership, Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll said, “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.”

Honda’s fifth stint in F1 will see them supplying power units to Aston Martin from 2026 onwards, with the exact deal period yet to be revealed. What’s revealed, however, is that Honda has no plans to supply any other parties apart from AM.