F1 News: We Are on the Verge of Something Special

As Formula 1 approaches the revolutionary 2026 regulations, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe (pictured with Aston Martin Team Boss Lawrence Stroll) exudes confidence in the burgeoning works partnership with Aston Martin Aramco. In a candid interview, Watanabe declared that the collaboration is poised for long-term success, stating: “We are on the eve of something very special.”

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The alliance, announced in 2023, sees Honda returning as a full factory power unit supplier after its Red Bull triumph era. Watanabe emphasized the alignment with the new rules: a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric output, tripling the electric motor’s power to 350kW, removal of the MGU-H, and 100% advanced sustainable fuels. “These regulations… fit with our business orientation,” he said, noting Honda’s pride in battery technology as a key advantage in tackling energy management—the era’s biggest challenge.

Central to the optimism is the “one team” philosophy. Engineers from both sides are embedded in Sakura (Japan) and Silverstone (UK), leveraging the nine-hour time difference for round-the-clock progress. “Japan is awake while the UK is sleeping, and vice versa,” Watanabe explained, ensuring constant data flow and advancements.

Watanabe praised Aston Martin’s leadership, particularly Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll’s competitive drive and investment in the AMR Technology Campus. Reunions with legends like Adrian Newey—whose chassis expertise intersects closely with power unit development—and new collaborations with CEO Andy Cowell (a former Mercedes power unit chief) add firepower. “Adrian is one of the people I communicate with frequently… always with the focus on winning,” Watanabe revealed.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe. Image supplied by Aston Martin F1 team

Technical hurdles abound: managing turbo-lag without MGU-H, optimizing thousands of energy deployment patterns via in-house software handling over 20,000 parameters, and navigating the new $130 million power unit cost cap. Yet Honda’s process—from design and simulation to dyno testing and track integration—remains methodical, with sustainable fuel development alongside Aramco and Valvoline.

For 2026, success means seamless integration and hitting internal targets, with the ultimate aim of World Championships in 2027 and beyond. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will helm the AMR26, benefiting from this unified vision.

Watanabe’s passion shines through: Motorsport embodies Honda’s challenge spirit, technological battlefield, and sheer joy. With trust, respect, and shared ambition, Honda believes this partnership isn’t just a return—it’s the dawn of dominance. As he concluded, pairing Aston Martin’s quality and passion with Honda’s winning prowess creates “the potential to be successful… not just in 2026, but also ’27, ’28 and beyond.” The verge feels closer than ever.