The partnership between Honda and Aston Martin, which will hit the track in 2026, is “on the eve of something very special”, said Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation.
Honda and Aston Martin are working together on new F1 power unit regulations, with the Japanese manufacturer ending its era with Red Bull this year. While the partnership with Red Bull ended on a three-game winning streak, bringing the total since 2018 to 72, the focus now shifts to a new era that Watanabe says has been designed with future long-term success in mind.
“The definition of success… For me, 2026 is the year that ensures the partnership we have built between Aston Martin Aramco and Honda works as planned as one integrated team,” Watanabe said on Aston Martin’s website. “We need to make sure we deliver on the value we set out to achieve and meet our performance goals.
“What we cannot predict and what we cannot control is the status of our competitors. Until we know that, we cannot talk about anything other than achieving our internal goals for the season. Of course, in the long term, the ultimate goal of this partnership, and our definition of success, is to win the World Championship.”
“It is very important that we look at this long-term. Our relationship with Aston Martin Aramco goes beyond just technical cooperation, we share a common vision. Not only is there a lot of passion in the team at the AMR Technology Campus, but the quality is also very high. Combine that with Honda’s development skills and ability to deliver winning power units and we have the potential to be successful in F1 not only in 2026, but in 2027, 2028 and beyond.”
“We are now on the eve of something very special.”
The 2026 changes also include new aerodynamic regulations, giving room for big changes in the standings next season, and Watanabe stressed the need to work together to address any performance gaps early in the new cycle.
“It goes back to the idea of being one team. It’s important to trust and respect our partners and continue to improve together,” he said. “Honda has been supplying engines and power units to various teams for decades. There have been some days with very good results and many years with very bad results. It is important that we remain one organization no matter what happens on the track.”
“F1 can be… cruel. It’s a cruel business and sometimes it’s difficult to improve if you don’t get the results you expected. But it’s absolutely important to maintain a relationship of trust and respect with your partners.”
