Aston Martin and Honda Ignite a New Works Era in Formula 1

Under the bright lights of Tokyo, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Honda formally marked the beginning of one of Formula 1’s most anticipated alliances a full works partnership that signals intent, ambition, and a decisive step towards the sport’s next era.

The launch event brought together key figures from both organisations, with Aston Martin Aramco Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll joined on stage by Honda Motor Co. President and Representative Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe. Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali was also present, underlining the wider significance of the moment as the championship accelerates toward its transformative 2026 regulations.

A Partnership Built for the Long Term

From the 2026 season, Honda will supply Aston Martin Aramco with power units as a works partner, a defining milestone in the Silverstone-based team’s long-term ambition to compete for World Championships.

The partnership has been forged well ahead of the new regulations, with Aston Martin Aramco and Honda working in close alignment alongside strategic partners Aramco and Valvoline. Overseeing the process has been Chief Strategy Officer Andy Cowell, whose technical leadership has helped shape one of the most closely integrated programmes on the 2026 grid.

Shared Values, Shared Ambition

Speaking in Tokyo, Lawrence Stroll emphasised the alignment of vision that brought the two marques together.

“I am delighted to celebrate the start of our partnership with Honda here in Tokyo,” Stroll said. “Aston Martin Aramco and Honda share many values, and those values have brought us together for 2026 and beyond.

“The strength of collaboration between the AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone and HRC in Sakura demonstrates the depth of our partnership. We are confident we now have all the elements required to fight for victory in the future, and we have tremendous faith in Honda’s power unit and the engineers behind it.

“Our journey won’t always be easy challenges inevitably lie ahead, but winning is what drives both companies forward. Together, we look forward to many successful years.”

Honda’s Vision for Formula 1’s Next Chapter

Honda Motor Co. President Toshihiro Mibe used his keynote address to reaffirm the company’s enduring connection to Formula 1 and its founding philosophy.

“Honda’s participation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of automobile racing embodies the spirit of our founder, Soichiro Honda,” Mibe said. “He inspired our engineers to commit to becoming number one in the world and to take on the most difficult challenges.

“In 2026, Formula 1 will undergo a major regulatory transformation across both chassis and power units. Honda sees F1 as a symbol of challenge and innovation.”

At the heart of Honda’s 2026 campaign is the RA626H power unit, developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to meet the demands of the new era.

“Striving to be number one in the world, Honda will continue to take on challenges together with Aston Martin Aramco,” Mibe added.

A New Symbol for a New Era

The Tokyo event also marked the unveiling of Honda’s refreshed ‘H’ mark, a redesigned emblem adopted as the new symbol of its automobile business.

“This new ‘H’ mark represents the transformation of Honda’s automobile business,” Mibe explained. “It is an important moment for us.”

Eyes on 2026

Aston Martin Aramco will formally launch its 2026 campaign on 9 February, setting the stage for the new partnership ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March.

As Formula 1 prepares for its most significant technical reset in a generation, the Aston Martin–Honda alliance stands as a statement of intent one rooted in heritage, innovation, and a shared determination to win.

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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