F1 – Aston Martin and Honda aligned like the three kingdoms of Japan
Honda and Aston Martin are strengthening their technical partnership after a difficult start to the season, with the goal of fully integrating chassis and Honda’s power unit. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe has explained in detail how the alignment structure between the two organisations works, highlighting the level of cooperation among technical leaders despite early struggles.
The vibration problem and the need for collaboration
Aston Martin currently sits at the bottom of the constructors’ standings in the early part of the 2026 Formula 1 season, dealing with an unusual vibration issue that has appeared since pre-season testing and continued into the races. These vibrations originate from the power unit but involve complex interacting factors that are amplified under real driving conditions, eventually reaching the drivers’ hands. Despite temporary fixes, such as a component used on Friday at the Japanese Grand Prix that reportedly almost eliminated the vibrations according to Fernando Alonso, the issue remains and requires a fundamental solution.
Watanabe explained that bench testing shows acceptable vibration levels, but the problem only becomes apparent on track. “Vibrations are not something that can be solved by the power unit alone, so we need to work together with the same awareness of the issue,” he said. He added that Honda and Aston Martin are collaborating closely not only on the power unit but also on the chassis to address the root cause.
The alignment structure between Honda and Aston Martin
The partnership is organised around clearly defined pairings between key personnel from both sides to ensure integration in both factory development and trackside operations.
Enrico Cardile, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, is the main contact point for vehicle development in the factory. His direct counterpart is Tetsushi Kakita, Honda’s power unit development leader. Watanabe stated: “In terms of vehicle construction on the Honda side, the Cardile–Kakita system is basically the core. Cardile is also working with us as the leader of development operations, so everything is fully integrated on the operational side.”
Mike Krack, Aston Martin Chief Trackside Officer, manages race weekend operations. His counterpart is Nobutaro Orihara, Honda’s General Manager trackside and Chief Engineer. The two work closely together and even hold joint briefings. Watanabe praised their relationship: “Krack is paired with Orihara to build a smooth system for race operations on track, and I believe their relationship is very good. They can speak openly and communication is excellent.”
Adrian Newey, Aston Martin Managing Technical Partner, is Watanabe’s direct counterpart. The Honda president clarified that communication remains strong despite occasional misunderstandings: “My counterpart is Newey, but we speak normally. Sometimes the discussion partner is Mr. Stroll, but in any case the relationship is not bad.”
Andy Cowell, Aston Martin Chief Strategy Officer, is responsible for coordinating the entire multi-partner structure, including Honda for the power unit, Aramco for fuel, and Valvoline for oil. Watanabe explained his role: “Cowell is more focused on making sure the partnership between the four companies works properly, including fuel and oil suppliers.
Fuel and oil also bring new challenges under the new regulations, so we need to do various things to improve performance. The proportion of fuel and oil in total power output is very large, so we need to build technology there as well. Cowell understands Honda, fuel, and the overall picture, and he is coordinating the entire Aston Martin chain very well.”
Building trust and future prospects
Watanabe emphasised that the Honda–Aston Martin relationship is currently in a trust-building phase, which cannot be established overnight but only through shared difficulties. “The relationship is not bad at all. Trust is not built in a day; it is formed through various difficulties. In that sense, we are in the phase of building that trust, and by placing people and ensuring long stays together, we should develop together,” he said.
He also stressed that there are no communication issues at senior level and that operational leadership is functioning well with strong dialogue. The presence of Aston Martin personnel at Honda’s Sakura development facility further supports this integration process.
Overall, Honda and Aston Martin are working as a single unit to overcome current challenges, with a strong focus on resolving vibration issues and optimising the RA626H power unit ahead of the new regulations. Watanabe remains optimistic that, thanks to this clear alignment structure and close cooperation between technical leaders, positive results will follow once the fundamental issues are solved.
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