Aston Martin Aramco and Honda formally marked the beginning of their works partnership with a launch event in Tokyo, signaling a major strategic step ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulation reset.
The event brought together Aston Martin Aramco Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll and Honda Motor Co President and Representative Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe, with Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali also in attendance to underline the significance of the collaboration for the sport’s future.
From the 2026 season, Honda will supply Aston Martin Aramco with power units as a full works partner, aligning the British team with the Japanese manufacturer as Formula 1 introduces sweeping changes to both chassis and power unit regulations. The partnership is positioned as a cornerstone of Aston Martin’s long term ambition to compete for championships.
Work between the two organizations is already well advanced, with close collaboration established between the AMR Technology Centre in Silverstone and Honda Racing Corporation in Sakura.
That process has also involved technical partners Aramco and Valvoline, with Chief Strategy Officer Andy Cowell overseeing the program as Aston Martin prepares for the new era.
Lawrence Stroll said the shared philosophy between the two brands was central to the decision to unite for 2026 and beyond.
He commented: “I am delighted to celebrate the start of our partnership with Honda here in Tokyo today. Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team and Honda share many values, and those values have brought us together for 2026 and beyond.
He highlighted the depth of the technical relationship already in place, adding: “The strong collaboration between the AMR Technology Centre at Silverstone and Honda Racing Corporation in Sakura demonstrates the depth of our partnership.
“We are confident that we 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.”
Honda outlines 2026 power unit vision
For Honda, the return as a full works power unit supplier is framed as a continuation of its historic Formula 1 philosophy, rooted in engineering ambition and technical challenge.
Mibe described Formula 1 as central to Honda’s identity, stating: “Honda’s participation in F1, the pinnacle of automobile racing, has been the embodiment of the spirit of the company founder, Soichiro Honda, who inspired Honda engineers to commit to becoming No.1 in the world and to take on the most difficult challenges.”
He confirmed that Honda Racing Corporation has developed the RA626H power unit to meet the demands of the 2026 regulations, which introduce a new balance between internal combustion and electrical power.
Honda sees F1 as a symbol of challenge
Mibe explained: “In 2026, F1 will undergo a major change in regulations for both the chassis and power unit.
“Honda sees F1 as a symbol of challenge and innovation, and HRC has developed the RA626H, the new power unit for the 2026 season, to meet those challenges.”
Honda also used the occasion to unveil a refreshed H mark, which will serve as the new symbol of its automobile business. Mibe described the launch as an important milestone in the transformation of the company’s automotive division.
Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team will next take to the global stage at its official 2026 season launch at Ithra in Saudi Arabia next month, before the new Formula 1 campaign begins with the opening race in Melbourne in March.