The first rumours were already seeping through on Tuesday, and through a press conference last night Honda announced its return to Formula 1. From 2026, the Japanese will return as Aston Martin's engine supplier. This means that the British racing stable will then also say goodbye to Mercedes.

After 2021, in which Max Verstappen captured the world title with Red Bull-Honda, the brand decided to bid farewell to motorsport's premier class. Honda went on to focus on electrifying its street cars. That decision now seems to be regretted, as the upcoming comeback is now a mistake.

In recent months, Honda always kept the door ajar for a return to Formula 1. There were also talks with Red Bull to develop the electric part of the engine there (Red Bull Powertrains is responsible for the combustion engine). The team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez really chose to go into partnership with Ford.

So in Aston Martin, Honda has now found a new partner. Lawrence Stroll's team wants to compete for the Formula 1 world title every year and having its own engine supplier is the next step in that process. Until 2025, the team will get its power sources supplied by Mercedes, but so being a customer team will be over in a few years.

Aston Martin in partnership with Honda from 2026

AMF1 Team has today announced it is entering into a works partnership with Honda from 2026.

The Japanese manufacturer will supply power units to the team from the 2026 season.

Find out more below.

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) May 24, 2023