Honda will formally leave Formula 1 at the conclusion of the 2021 campaign. The Japanese company ranks as the fifth-most prosperous engine supplier ever. Of course, they continue to participate in the sport to some extent till 2026. That is so because, although being labelled "Red Bull Powertrains," the RBPT engine is really produced by them. At least, it was last year; it is now referred to as the "Honda-RBPT." Their primary motivation for leaving Formula One was to concentrate on carbon-neutral technology. The goal of Formula 1 is to reach "Net Zero" by 2030. The regulations from 2026 will be crucial in this. Additionally, Honda has registered as an engine manufacturer for 2026, indicating a resurgence in their involvement in the sport.
Aston Martin is currently a Mercedes engine customer and continues to express satisfaction with that Arrangement which includes the gearbox and rear suspension as well as the power unit but Aston having its own engine Supply clear having even tentatively explored its own power units in the style of Red Bull powertrains when that was determined to be unviable Aston Martin considered its Alternatives and Honda was the only route to a Works engine deal every other manufacturer signed up for 2026.
For Honda, there are several more possibilities. They have come a long way from their unfortunate time as McLaren's engine supplier. There have been rumours that Aston Martin will collaborate with them starting in 2026 instead of Mercedes. According to The Race, the AM-Honda engine alliance is now becoming "increasingly likely."
Honda has taken steps to partially reverse its withdrawal and has been eyeing a full return to F1 in 2026 as part of the new engine regulations Honda registered its interest in the new rules late last year with the FIA and had approaches from multiple teams about a Works deal the fact it needed to find a new team at all was down to the events set in motion by Honda deciding to quit F1 in the first place back in 2020 Honda's then CEO Takahiro Hachigo announced it would leave F1 officially.
The agreement with Aston Martin is the most likely. The Silverstone team has improved over the past year, and perhaps they would be performing even better right now if they had a different engine. However, that is untrue. Instead, they will have to wait until 2026 for an engine that could be more competitive. The rules will also reset at that time, so it will truly be a fresh start.
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