Aston Martin’s journey towards Formula 1 excellence is gaining momentum as the 2026 engine project with Honda is rapidly taking shape. With plans to join forces in the near future, the two automotive giants are gearing up for a partnership that promises to make waves in the world of motorsport.
The upcoming collaboration follows Honda’s impending departure from its power unit partnership with Red Bull in 2025. Once this transition occurs, Aston Martin will step into the role of a factory team in Formula 1, aligning with the sport’s significant regulation changes set to take effect in 2026.
While both parties acknowledge that it’s still early days in their relationship, they are wasting no time in capitalizing on the upcoming regulation adjustments.
Honda and Red Bull have distinguished themselves with a formidable power unit on the Formula 1 grid, and Aston Martin aspires to replicate this success when the sport’s engine formula undergoes a significant reset in three years. The new regulations will emphasize electrical energy and the use of fully sustainable fuels, marking a pivotal shift in Formula 1 technology.
For Aston Martin, this transition to becoming a factory team marks a critical moment in their progression, departing from the customer model they currently employ with Mercedes. With a strong focus on being an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Formula 1, the team’s substantial investment in this endeavor aims to position them as strong contenders for future championship titles.
Aston Martin has now announced its intention to expedite its collaborative efforts with Honda to hit the ground running in this exciting new phase. Luca Furbatto, Aston Martin’s engineering director, expressed his optimism, saying, “In the past, it has not been the case, but since the introduction of hybrid power units, only works teams have won the F1 World Championship.”
He went on to explain the current dynamics with Mercedes, stating, “We’re very happy with what we receive from Mercedes; however, in terms of car architecture, we’re partially led by Mercedes F1 Team and Mercedes High Performance Powertrains.”
Furbatto emphasized the importance of control over their own destiny, stating, “By 2026, with a power unit from Honda and our own gearbox, we’ll have control of our own destiny. If we want to take the next step towards winning, this is what we have to do.”
Since the announcement of their partnership last May, Aston Martin has been engaged in productive discussions with Honda, with plans intensifying as they move forward. Furbatto noted the significance of tight deadlines and the need for prompt cooperation.
The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda is poised to be a remarkable fusion of engineering expertise and innovation, setting the stage for an exciting era in Formula 1.
