This morning, exciting news emerged from the world of Formula 1 as Honda officially confirmed its partnership with Aston Martin, securing its return to the sport starting in 2026. The collaboration will extend beyond power unit supply; it will also encompass technical and commercial partnerships, aiming to elevate Aston Martin’s competitiveness with the top teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s Global CEO, expressed enthusiasm regarding this new venture. "One of the main reasons we have decided to accept this new challenge is because F1, which is the pinnacle of motorsport, is going in the direction of sustainability and zero emission, which is in line with Honda’s projects. It will be a platform that will help the development of electric technologies."
Mibe underscored Honda's historical connection to success in motorsport. "Honda has a history of growth linked to winning championships. With the 2026 rules, the key to victory will be that of a compact, light engine with lots of electric power and a battery capable of delivering and managing energy in the best possible way," he stated.
-competes-with-Ferraris-Monegasque-driver-Charles-Leclerc.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Further emphasizing the importance of this partnership, Mibe remarked, "We think that the knowledge we will gain with this new challenge can be applied directly to our mass production of vehicles, as well as electric racing cars, or the electrification of different aircraft, including eVTOL, which we are currently developing."
Alongside Mibe, Lawrence Stroll, the Executive Chairman of Aston Martin, welcomed Honda to the team. "I would like to welcome Honda and HRC to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team. We share the same principles, such as determination and ambition for success on the track," Stroll stated.
Stroll acknowledged Honda’s remarkable legacy in motorsport, praising their achievements. "Honda is a global titan, and his winning history in motorsport is amazing. I would like to thank Mr. Mibe and Mr. Watanabe, and all the HRC team as we embark on this exciting future together from 2026," he said.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, highlighted Honda's commitment to sustainability in motorsports. "In the midst of this period of change in our business and the motorsport environment moving towards a zero-emissions transition, we have re-established HRC as the optimal platform for development and evolution of motorsport activities, the strength of Honda," Watanabe commented.
He further reinforced Honda's vision of making motorsport accessible while fostering sustainability. "We will have sustainable operating structures for our racing activities and continue to deliver dreams and excitement to motorsport fans around the world," Watanabe added.
Martin Whitmarsh, Group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies, expressed his excitement about working with Honda again. "I have been fortunate in my career to have worked with Honda over the years, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with HRC and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team from 2026," Whitmarsh noted.
He emphasized the significance of the upcoming Power Unit regulations, stating, "Our future collaboration with Honda is one of the last pieces of the puzzle to satisfy our ambitious plan, like Aston Martin, within Formula 1. Finally, I would like to thank our current Power Unit supplier, who will continue to support us for the coming seasons."
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Honda and Aston Martin as they prepare to navigate the evolving landscape of Formula 1. With a shared vision of sustainability and a common drive for success, the duo is poised to make a strong impact in the sport starting in 2026. As the official press conference unfolds in Japan, stakeholders and fans alike look forward to witnessing this new chapter in racing history.