Key highlights from the Tokyo launch event marking Honda’s return to Formula One with Aston Martin Aramco.
Honda and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Officially Launch 2026 Partnership
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. marked a major milestone in its motorsport history with the official launch of its works partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. The launch event took place in Tokyo, Japan, on 26 January 2026, bringing together senior leaders from Honda, Formula 1, and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
From the 2026 season, Honda will return to Formula One as a power unit supplier through Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), supporting Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team under the sport’s new technical regulations.
Honda’s Vision for the New Era of Formula One
Honda Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe reflected on the company’s long-standing relationship with Formula One, which began in 1964 and has since produced championship success with teams including Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing. He described Formula One as the embodiment of Honda’s founding spirit—taking on the world’s toughest challenges in pursuit of innovation and excellence.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mibe highlighted the significance of the sport’s new regulations, which will dramatically increase electrification, introduce advanced sustainable fuels, and place greater emphasis on development efficiency under the cost cap system. Honda has positioned Formula One as a core platform for innovation, with HRC developing the all-new RA626H power unit specifically for the new era.
New Honda Identity and Technology Transfer from Track to Road
From 2026, Honda-powered Formula One cars will feature a newly designed “H” mark, symbolising the transformation of Honda’s automobile business. This updated identity will also extend across Honda’s wider motorsport activities.
Honda will further apply technologies and expertise developed in Formula One to its production vehicles, including future HRC-spec performance models. These innovations will also contribute to next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as advanced mobility projects such as eVTOL aircraft and sustainable aviation technologies.
Formula One Growth and Sustainability Commitment
Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed Honda’s return to the sport, highlighting Japan’s deep connection to Formula One and its rapidly growing fan base. With 827 million fans worldwide in 2025 and record attendance at the Japanese Grand Prix, Domenicali described the Honda–Aston Martin partnership as perfectly aligned with the sport’s global momentum.
He also underlined Formula One’s commitment to sustainability, with the championship on track to achieve Net Zero by 2030 and already delivering significant reductions in carbon emissions. The 2026 regulations will introduce simplified hybrid power units running on advanced sustainable fuels without compromising performance.
A True Works Partnership with Championship Ambitions
Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, described the partnership with Honda as a true works collaboration, where the chassis and power unit are designed as a fully integrated package. This approach is central to the team’s ambition to compete for championships.
Stroll also highlighted major investments in the team’s infrastructure, including the completion of the new Aston Martin Technology Centre at Silverstone and ongoing development of advanced facilities. Close collaboration between the team’s UK base and HRC Sakura in Japan is already well established, creating a strong foundation for success from 2026 onwards.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With shared values, advanced technology, and a unified vision, Honda and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are preparing to enter a new chapter in Formula One. Together, they aim to push the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and innovation while inspiring fans in Japan and around the world.