Is this the way out for Honda? 'Approached Aston Martin'

With six engine builders registered for 2026 in Formula 1 and only 10 teams, it is difficult for Honda to find a buyer for their power units. According to latest rumours, the Japanese manufacturer is looking at Aston Martin F1 for an exclusive deal.

Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains will all supply engines to their own 'factory teams'. AlphaTauri is Red Bull's little sister, McLaren and Honda do not have a particularly good history together and James Vowles of Williams said he was not yet considering the Japanese brand. That leaves Aston Martin for Honda, which has been so successful with Red Bull Racing in recent years.

Honda looking for exclusive deal with Aston Martin?

Aston Martin F1 has only had a close partnership with Mercedes for years and now that Aston Martin has made a fast car and is regularly fighting for podiums, the team is a lot harder to approach for strategic changes. According to sources of the Italian branch of Motorsport.com, Honda is currently moving in Aston Martin's direction.

Motorsport estimates the chances for Honda are not bad despite Aston Martin and Mercedes' partnership. Aston Martin would eventually, if it remains stronger than Mercedes this season, want to go for safety and not risk being dependent on an engine supplier. Lawrence Stroll's ambitious Aston Martin could instead benefit from the stability of an exclusive engine deal with Honda. If the team wants to go for a title, it makes more sense to own also their power units. According to Motorsport, it is anything but a risky move for them.