F1 News: Aston Martin and Honda Ignite Partnership in Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo, under the glow of spotlights and the hum of anticipation, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Honda marked the dawn of a transformative era on January 20, 2026. The event, held in a sleek venue overlooking the city’s bustling skyline, wasn’t just a press conference—it was a declaration of intent.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

For the first time, Aston Martin would become a full works team, powered by Honda’s cutting-edge technology, as the sport braces for its most sweeping regulatory overhaul in years.

The partnership launch drew heavyweights from both sides. Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, stood alongside Honda Motor Corporation’s President and Representative Executive Officer, Toshihiro Mibe. Adding gravitas to the occasion was Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, who praised the moment as a symbol of F1’s innovative future. A 2026 F1 show car took center stage, showcasing the newly unveiled RA626H power unit, Honda’s answer to the upcoming rules that demand a seismic shift toward sustainability and electrification.

Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, stood alongside Honda Motor Corporation’s President and Representative Executive Officer, Toshihiro Mibe. Image supplied by Honda

This alliance isn’t born out of convenience; it’s rooted in shared ambitions. Stroll, the Canadian billionaire who has poured resources into elevating Aston Martin from midfield contenders to potential champions, emphasized the synergy. “I am delighted to celebrate the start of our partnership with Honda here in Tokyo today,” he said. ”

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Honda share many values, and those values have brought us together for 2026 and beyond.” He highlighted the close collaboration between Aston Martin’s AMR Technology Centre in Silverstone and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) in Sakura, Japan, underscoring the team’s confidence in Honda’s engineering prowess.

“We are confident that we have all the elements required to fight for victory in the future,” Stroll added, acknowledging that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges but driven by a mutual hunger for wins.

2026 Honda F1 engine. Image supplied by Aston Martin F1 team

Mibe echoed that sentiment, tying the partnership to Honda’s storied legacy in motorsport. Founded on the challenger spirit of Soichiro Honda, the company sees F1 as the ultimate proving ground. “Honda’s participation in F1 has been the embodiment of the spirit of the company founder,” Mibe stated.

“In 2026, F1 will undergo a major change in regulations for both the chassis and power unit. In other words, F1 is evolving into a next-generation motorsport that takes on the challenges of both electrification and decarbonization.” The RA626H embodies this evolution, with regulations mandating a 50/50 split between internal combustion engines running on advanced sustainable fuels and electric power—tripling the current electrical output from the motor and battery. Cars will also be thinner and lighter, promising a fresh competitive landscape.

Domenicali, representing the sport’s governing body, lauded Honda’s return as a boon for F1. “The exciting next generation of regulations for 2026 is one of the factors that has drawn Honda back to the sport,” he said. “There will be a simplified hybrid engine that runs on advanced sustainable fuel without impacting the performance.” Honda’s history in F1—spanning triumphs with teams like McLaren and Red Bull—adds weight to their re-entry as Aston Martin’s exclusive supplier.

The reveal of the engine was done alongside a new 2026 showcar image. Image: courtesy of Honda

But this isn’t a fairy-tale start; Stroll framed it as a “development journey,” full of unknowns. “We’re all sitting here anxiously waiting to get on track,” he admitted, noting that true competitiveness won’t be clear until the season opener in Melbourne. Potential pitfalls like reliability issues loom large, especially with simultaneous new chassis and power unit debuts—a possible F1 first. Yet, optimism prevails. Aston Martin’s Chief Strategy Officer, Andy Cowell, described the collaboration as “really exciting,” particularly with an Adrian Newey-designed car in the mix, and confirmed rigorous validation testing is already underway to meet “tough targets.”

Aston Martin’s Chief Strategy Officer, Andy Cowell and Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll. Image supplied by Honda

The event also unveiled a refreshed ‘H’ logo for Honda’s motorsport endeavors, symbolizing the company’s broader transformation in its automobile business. “Machines powered by the RA626H will bear a new H mark with refreshed design,” Mibe explained, marking a pivotal moment for Honda’s global racing identity.

Looking ahead, the real work begins soon. Aston Martin plans a private test of the AMR26 at Circuit de Catalunya starting January 26, followed by the official car unveiling on February 9 at Ithra in Saudi Arabia. Pre-season testing in Bahrain will offer the first glimpses of performance before the Australian Grand Prix in March. For Aston Martin, this partnership with Honda—bolstered by allies like Aramco and Valvoline—represents a bold step toward championship glory. As Stroll put it, winning drives both companies, and together, they’re geared up for the fight. In a sport where innovation meets speed, this Tokyo celebration could be the spark that ignites a new dynasty.