F1.com reports that Honda will make its return to Formula 1 with Aston Martin as a power unit supplier. After exiting F1 in a major capacity in 2021 Honda has become intrigued by the new sustainability requirements that will come with the 2026 regulations. Honda still provides power unit input for Red Bull and will do so until 2025 per their current agreement. However, with Red Bull investing heavily in their own powertrains division the merit of this relationship is likely waning with time. Red Bull previously announced their partnership with Ford. This move closed the door on a Honda return with Red Bull. Honda had no choice but to look elsewhere and Aston martin was the best fit.
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe stated to F1.com, “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, and it will become a platform which will facilitate the development of our electrification technologies.” He continued, “Honda is a company that has a history of growing by taking on challenges and winning world-class races. With the new 2026 regulations, 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.”
Mibe continued on the goal to achieve sustainable racing
“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, and for the Formula 1 Group, which has been enhancing the brand value of F1 and ensuring F1’s evolvement as the most prestigious automobile racing in the world.”
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll said: “We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track. Honda is a global titan and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive.”Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation stated that Honda will not supply power units to any other teams in F1 as part of the move.