After flying high in the first eight rounds of 2023, Aston Martin have spent two seasons in the midfield. For a team with title aspirations, these results have been unsatisfactory.

To change Aston Martin’s fortunes, team owner Lawrence Stroll has facilitated a series of key acquisitions. Adrian Newey, Enrico Cardile and Andy Cowell are among the heavy-hitters at the Silverstone outfit.

Looking ahead to 2026, one of the team’s biggest challenges will be operating as a manufacturer for the first time. Aston’s partnership with Honda is integral, and has already prompted structural adjustments for 2026.

However, an often overlooked but nonetheless crucial player is Aston’s fuel supplier – Aramco.

Lance Stroll driving the (18) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR25. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images)
Aston and Honda could benefit from Aramco partnership

A great many factors will be at play over the course of the new regulations. Aerodynamically, engineers face the cyclical task of identifying areas to exploit and create an advantage over rivals.

Despite this, what makes 2026 so transformational is the power unit aspect.

Engine reliability has been rock solid since 2022, with DNF’s becoming increasingly rare.

This near bullet-proof reliability has contributed to races becoming more predictable and reduced the frequency of Safety Cars.

This is set to change, with the 2026 engine representing a notable shift from its predecessor. Conscious of this key battleground Aston Martin agreed (in early 2023) to partner with Honda for the 2026 regulations.

From Aston’s perspective, working with Japanese manufacturer gives them complete control over their entire development process.

Had they continued with Mercedes power, like McLaren and Williams, they might have benefited from a leading engine.

However, they would also be forced to adapt their design around the components they received from the factory in Brixworth. Aston Martin felt joining forces with Honda was an opportunity they could not ignore.

One variable that increases the potential of Aston Martin and Honda’s collaboration is their fuel supplier. Across the grid, different suppliers provide teams with their fuel.

Aston’s supplier being Aramco is something to take note of. Sustainable fuels will be used in 2026, something which represents a big step forward for Formula 1.

In short, the fuel itself needs to be synergised from a sustainable source. Though there are obviously some parameters, suppliers have great freedom to reach this sustainability requirement.

The expectation is that certain fuel suppliers will develop more efficient mixes than others. F1’s regulations allow for freedom in development of this area.

Upon interacting with the engines, fuels from some suppliers could deliver additional horsepower.

This is where Aston Martin can benefit from working with Aramco. Aramco already have experience using sustainable fuels, which they provided to Formula 2 cars last season.

Because of this, Aramco have invested and developed heavily in the 2026 fuels. It is anticipated that Aramco will provide a combustible that generates extra energy and power to the Honda engine.

In a season where manufacturers are working on multiple fronts, this is an area where Aston and Honda can be quietly confident.

Aramco have a backlog of experience in producing reliable and effective sustainable fuels. In this respect, they can prove a valuable weapon in Aston Martin’s arsenal.

Pirelli 500 GPs logo on the Aston Martin F1 Team car. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images)
Newey, Cardile and Cowell hard at work

Evidently, power unit development is just one aspect of the upcoming 2026 season. Aston Martin must deliver a pioneering aerodynamic package if they are to reach their objectives.

This is where Adrian Newey is expected to make a difference. The 66-year-old works with Enrico Cardile, who was previously Ferrari’s Technical Director.

Towards the end of last season, Andy Cowell was reassigned from team principal to Chief Strategic Officer.

This switch puts Cowell more actively involved with Honda and their development. Newey sees this tweak as the best way to optimise the top-heavy structure at Aston Martin.

Honda are a manufacturer with a winning record over the last half decade. Their title success with Red Bull is something Aston Martin want to replicate, and 2026 provides the foundation.

Overall, Honda are seen as one of the most likely manufacturers to bring the fight to Mercedes. Only time will tell if advantages like a unique partnership with Aramco can make the difference.

READ MORE: F1 – Ferrari take risks with bold 2026 engine design

Main photo: Zak Mauger/LAT Images (Aston Martin F1 Media Portal)