In a significant move, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed its return to the FIA Formula One World Championship, partnering with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team starting in the 2026 season. The partnership will focus on developing power units that comply with the revolutionary new regulations set to take effect in 2026.
The latest regulations represent a seismic shift towards sustainability in motorsport, requiring a balanced power output between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, with both generating 50% of total power. Honda’s decision to re-enter F1 aligns with its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. "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," said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda.
This partnership is not merely about competition; it also serves as a valuable platform for Honda to enhance its e-motor and battery technologies. The 2026 regulations will necessitate a tripling of energy recovery system output while reducing engine output, a change that Honda intends to navigate proficiently. Mibe further mentioned, "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."
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The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), which has expanded its responsibilities to oversee both auto and motorcycle motorsports activities, will lead the power unit development and management for Honda's F1 venture. Through this engagement, Honda seeks to apply its learnings and technologies not only in F1 but also to its future electric vehicles, including a potential flagship sports model.
Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team, welcomed Honda aboard, emphasizing their shared vision for success. "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 the track," Stroll remarked. The collaboration between the two powerhouse brands aims for the championship title, marking a new chapter in both their histories.
With the increasing focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory changes, the introduction of a 100% sustainable fuel requirement emphasizes F1's commitment to ecological advancements. "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," Mibe noted.
This partnership marks a significant and potentially transformative time for both Honda and the Aston Martin F1 team as they prepare for this new era in racing. The team will be rebranded to Aston Martin Aramco Honda as they strive together to make a mark in the 2026 season and beyond.
As Honda integrates its advanced technologies in a highly competitive arena such as Formula 1, the automotive industry may witness the fruits of these collaborative efforts manifest in commercial electric vehicles, establishing a promising future for this partnership in motorsports and beyond.