The new era of Formula 1 represents a true crossroads for Honda, perhaps the most important since its return in 2015. Koji Watanabe, president of HRC, is fully aware of this. He does not hide his enthusiasm, but neither does he mask the strategic clarity of someone who sees 2026 as a unique moment to fight—and win—the world championship. The partnership with Aston Martin, set to debut under the new technical regulations, is described as a platform of immense potential, but above all as a project that cannot be approached with an immediate mindset.
Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer is entering its third alliance since returning to the top category. With McLaren, history recorded one of the less fortunate collaborations of the hybrid era; with Red Bull, Honda reached the pinnacle of motorsport, securing four drivers’ championships with Max Verstappen and two constructors’ titles. This journey has shaped Honda’s current approach: maturity, technical awareness, and a strong focus on long-term partnerships.
Now all attention is on Aston Martin, a project Watanabe confidently describes as the most promising of recent years. “2026 is the year to ensure that the alliance we have created between Aston Martin and Honda works as expected, that it is an integrated team. We need to make sure we have the values we seek and can achieve our performance objectives. What we cannot predict is beyond our control—our rivals,” said the HRC president in an interview with the team’s official website.
The medium- to long-term target is clear: to bring Honda back to the top of the world. “In the long term, the goal of this partnership and the definition of success is to win the title. It’s important to have a long-term vision. There is a lot of passion and quality in the Aston Martin campus, and Honda has the ability to produce winning engines. We have the potential to succeed in Formula 1, not only in 2026, but also in 2027, 2028, and beyond. We are on the verge of something very special,” Watanabe added.
Watanabe’s words gain extra weight when viewed in the context of Honda’s internal timeline. At the end of 2020, the Japanese manufacturer had decided to leave Formula 1 ahead of the 2022 regulation changes, only to reverse its decision a few months later, attracted by the technological prospects of the new cycle with a general simplification of the turbo-hybrid architecture. The partnership with Red Bull was maintained (also thanks to the regulatory freeze imposed by F1 leadership), but a return as an official engine supplier was possible only with a new partner.
According to Watanabe, the new regulations played a crucial role in this choice: “I think Honda cannot live without Formula 1. Looking particularly at technology, the changes in power units for 2026 were a factor in our decision to return to the sport. It’s a 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, with the latter increasing from 120 kilowatts to 350. We also have sustainable fuel, which aligns much more closely with Honda’s philosophy.”
The decision to partner with Aston Martin, however, stems from a combination of technical, structural, and human factors. The announcement came in spring-summer 2023: two organizations seeking the right convergence—one to secure official team status and control its competitive destiny, the other to find a new partner after Red Bull’s decision to pursue an internal program. The meeting occurred at the perfect time, and most importantly, in the right place: Silverstone, where Aston Martin has radically transformed its infrastructure, organization, and technical capabilities in just a few years.
Watanabe openly acknowledged the importance of the team owner’s vision: “We have always been cautious in selecting our partners. In this case, I was very impressed by the leadership and passion of our president, Lawrence Stroll. He is very competitive and always has that vision of winning; it’s truly impressive. You can see their desire for success in Aston Martin’s new facilities, as well as in the way the organization has been strengthened with experienced personnel over the past few years.”
The HRC president also did not hide that the internal determination of the British team was a decisive factor. “The team’s commitment and dedication are very strong, and this is very attractive to us, as well as exciting,” he concluded.
The Honda–Aston Martin alliance therefore begins with a clear focus: a long-term vision, rapidly evolving technical structure, and a regulatory challenge that offers opportunities to those who integrate fastest and best. Watanabe calls for patience, but the signs point to an ambitious, structured, and determined project ready to become a benchmark for the new cycle. 2026 will be year zero. The true goal, however, lies far ahead.
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