Honda is making an official comeback to F1 as a full fledged power unit supplier in 2026. "I think Honda probably can’t live without F1."
- Koji Watanabe.The Japanese manufacturer will be in charge of powering the Aston Martin cars of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, as the pair set out to take the Silverstone-based outfit up to where the team's owner Lawrence Stroll's large investment indicates it should be.
With the car's build and design in the hands of F1 engineering guru Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile, and with Andy Cowell, former Mercedes power unit wizard, on the engine's side, one of the final pieces of Aston Martin's F1 2026 puzzle will be unveiled on January 20 in Tokyo.
Via a Youtube hosted livestreaming where Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe will be joined by the British racing green coloured team's owner Lawrence Stroll and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali,
the Japanese manufacturer will reveal the engine that will power Aston Martin's surge to the top."I think Honda probably can’t live without F1,” said HRC President Koji Watanabe.
“Looking specifically at the technology, however, the power unit regulation changes for 2026 were an important factor in Honda’s decision to return to the sport.
“These regulations encourage a 50:50 output split between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, with the latter nearly tripling in output from 120kW to 350kW.
"Add to that the requirement to use advanced sustainable fuels, and this becomes very much in line with Honda’s philosophy on future propulsion systems.
“It also fits with our business orientation. The pinnacle of motorsport is the place to refine our technology, improve our technical capabilities, and stand on a world stage that will allow us to showcase all of this. This is very important for the future of Honda,” Watanabe ended.
Alonso boasts Aston Martin's advantages ahead of F1 2026
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin hasn’t yet broken into F1’s midfield but is certain the team will ultimately succeed. He cites completed infrastructure, including a new factory and wind tunnel and high-profile hires like Adrian Newey, Andy Cowell, and Enrico Cardile as key strengths.
Alonso noted the challenge is timing: the facilities and personnel are still settling, and it may take a full season to “glue everything together.” He believes a major step could come with the 2026 regulations and suggests the team could be ready to fight at the top by 2027.
Read Alonso's full remarks here.GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update
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