According to Honda, F1’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 played a pivotal role in its decision to re-enter the sport formally. The introduction of new regulations in 2026 will enhance the electrical performance of F1 engines, while the sport’s governing body, the FIA, will mandate the use of fully sustainable synthetic fuels.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, stated that the increase in electrical power and the focus on carbon-neutral fuels align with Honda’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. He believes that the technology developed through this new challenge in F1 has the potential to be directly applied to future mass-production electric vehicles.
The revised regulations for 2026 will bring significant changes to F1’s hybrid engines, including the removal of the MGU-H (which recovers energy from the turbo) and a substantial increase in the proportion of hybrid power in the engine’s output. Watanabe emphasized that the new regulations require greater electrification, and the technology developed for electrification in F1 will prove valuable for Honda’s future vehicle production.
While Honda has enjoyed recent success with Red Bull, winning the past two drivers’ championships and the constructors’ title in the previous season, Red Bull has decided to develop its own engine for 2026 in partnership with Ford. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has made significant progress in competitiveness in 2023, currently holding second place in the constructors’ championship.
Aston Martin’s recent advancements are a result of substantial investments and restructuring efforts over the past five years, including the construction of a new factory and a wind tunnel set to be completed in 2024. The partnership between Honda and Aston Martin reflects their shared ambition to succeed in F1.
The collaboration between Honda and Aston Martin marks the end of Aston Martin’s arrangement with Mercedes, as Honda will take on the role of providing engines, gearboxes, and suspension. The decision to manufacture the gearbox and suspension internally is seen as a significant challenge but a necessary step for Aston Martin’s growth.
Regarding drivers, Honda expressed openness to working with Fernando Alonso again, as driver choices remain at the discretion of the team. Alonso is currently in the first season of a two-year deal with Aston Martin. The possibility of his continued partnership with Honda beyond 2026 will be evaluated closer to the start of Honda’s involvement with the team.
The renewed partnership between Honda and Aston Martin signifies a major development in the world of Formula 1, with Honda’s technological advancements and Aston Martin’s rising competitiveness setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport.
