Honda returns to Formula 1 with an exclusive partnership with Aston Martin, unveiling the new RA626H engine. The Japanese manufacturer’s first images offer an early look at a power unit designed to fully integrate into the sport’s new technical era, where efficiency, integration, and joint development will play a decisive role.
This marks Honda’s fifth experience in the top tier of motorsport, but unlike previous returns, this one comes with a central and exclusive role. Aston Martin, which used Mercedes power units until 2025, will become Honda’s sole official team, building its sporting project around direct collaboration between the Silverstone base and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) in Sakura.
A new technical era between electrification and sustainability: Toshihiro Mibe
“In 2026, Formula 1 will face major regulatory changes affecting both chassis and power units. Regarding engines, the electric power generated by the motor and battery will be increased to about three times current levels, while the internal combustion engine will use advanced sustainable fuels,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda.
“In other words, Formula 1 is evolving into a new-generation motorsport capable of directly addressing electrification and decarbonization challenges. Additionally, the cost cap applied to power units requires every manufacturer to optimize development efficiency to achieve maximum results with limited resources. In this new era of Formula 1, Honda views the sport as a symbol of challenge and innovation. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the company’s global racing division, has therefore developed the RA626H, the new power unit for the 2026 season. With the goal of becoming number one in the world, Honda will continue to tackle these challenges alongside the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.”
Stroll confident: world championship in sight
The declared objective is ambitious. Lawrence Stroll sees this partnership as an opportunity to replicate the successful path taken by Red Bull in previous years, when their collaboration with Honda led to two Constructors’ Championships and allowed Max Verstappen to dominate four consecutive seasons in the Drivers’ Championship.
“The level of collaboration between the AMR Technology Centre in Silverstone and Honda Racing Corporation in Sakura shows how deep and structured this partnership is,” explained Lawrence Stroll. “We are confident that we have all the elements necessary to aim for victory in the near future, and we have great faith in the Honda power unit and the engineers developing it.”
Stroll also emphasized that the journey will not be without challenges. “We know it will not be an easy path and that obstacles will be part of the process, but the desire to win is what unites both companies. It is this mindset that pushes us to look forward with confidence, certain that this collaboration can lead to many years of success.”
The synergy between Japan and the United Kingdom appears to be the most promising “factory” project on the grid. By moving away from being a Mercedes customer to becoming Honda’s primary focus, Aston Martin is finally securing the bespoke technical integration required to challenge the frontrunners. If the RA626H delivers on its promises of efficiency and electrical power, the green cars from Silverstone may well become the team to beat in this new generation of Formula 1.
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