When Formula 1 implements new rules in 2026, there will be six manufacturers of power units as a result of Honda's announcement that it will join with Aston Martin.
On Wednesday, the two sides' agreement was made public in Japan.
Honda has a spotty history in Formula 1, but the company has been active in the sport since 2015, first with McLaren and then with the two Red Bull teams
Earlier this year, Honda indicated interest in the 2026 regulations; however, Red Bull decided to negotiate a contract to build its own engines internally with assistance from Ford, leaving Honda without a partner.
In contrast, Aston Martin has always been a customer team and has been powered by Mercedes since 2009, when it was known as Force India. Mercedes' rear suspension and gearboxes are also utilised by Aston Martin.
It has long-term goals to compete for the world title under owner Lawrence Stroll. Stroll, who renamed the team Aston Martin for 2021, has aggressively invested in the organisation, growing its staff and bringing in top aerodynamicists as its new factory prepares to launch. With podium finishes at four of the five Grands Prix and second place in the championship, it has risen quickly up the grid in 2023.
Shrewd Frederic Vasseur’s 2024 Strategy Termed Dicey as Ferrari Aims to Enable Charles Leclerc With the Best Equipment
Despite 12X F1 Champ’s Availability, Ferrari Veteran Shatters Charles Leclerc’s Hopes of an Immediate Turnaround
$285,000,000 Worth Lewis Hamilton Gets Mercedes’ $64,000,000,000 Worth Partner to Invest in His Philanthropic Cause