Honda Accelerating Work On 2026 Aston Martin Engine

Despite currently supplying engines to the highly successful Red Bull team, Honda is working at full steam on its fresh Formula 1 venture with Aston Martin, set to debut in 2026.

Amidst a period where most power unit development is restricted due to a ‘freeze’ until new regulations are introduced, Koji Watanabe, the head of Honda Racing Corporation, has emphasized that HRC continues to focus on “durability and reliability” improvements for Red Bull.

Honda is aiming to secure a fourth consecutive world championship with Red Bull this season. Nevertheless, Watanabe has acknowledged that substantial resources are being allocated to the upcoming Aston Martin-Honda collaboration for 2026 and the future. 

“Under the new regulations, the keys to victory will be small, lightweight, high-output motors, high-performance batteries that can handle large amounts of power, and energy management technology, so HRC is currently working on developing a new power unit,” Watanabe revealed.

“We are moving forward at a rapid pace. We have built a very good relationship with Aston Martin, and have begun collaborating on both the technical and marketing aspects.

“We hope that you will look forward to our activities starting in 2026,” the Japanese added.

To that end, Watanabe also revealed that Honda is looking for a new European headquarters for its post-2026 F1 operations.

“Honda needs a front-line base for Honda F1 in Europe in order to re-enter the championship,” he said, alluding to the fact that operations were scaled back amid the current engine ‘freeze’ after easing the Red Bull works arrangement at the end of 2021.

“Honda is currently making preparations to establish such a front-line base,” Watanabe added. “As for the specific details, we would like to discuss the matter as soon as it is decided.”