Honda marks F1 return in 2026 with Aston Martin partnership

Honda has confirmed its much-rumored return to Formula 1 in 2026, announcing a power-packed alliance with the British team Aston Martin, according to sources close to HRC as cited by La Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy.

It appears the absence of the Tokyo-based manufacturer from F1 was merely a pause rather than a complete cessation.

Honda's decision to re-enter the competition aligns with the new technical regulations expected to take effect in a few years.

The 50-50 balance between electric and thermal power in the F1 power units will draw the sport closer to reaching a raw power output of approximately 1000 horsepower.

Aston Martin-Honda: Challenging for the title

The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda represents a significant shift in Aston Martin's strategy.

Owned by Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin currently holds second place in the Constructors' Championship, powered by a Mercedes engine.

By joining forces with Honda, Aston Martin aims to break the limitations imposed by the non-exclusive power unit agreement with Mercedes and aims to become a title contender.

The Alonso equation and driver market impact

This partnership announcement raises multiple questions about the future, one of them being the association between Aston Martin and Mercedes until 2025.

Another issue involves the drivers: Fernando Alonso, who is performing exceptionally well in 2023, had a strained relationship with Honda during its previous stint as McLaren's engine supplier from 2015 to 2017.

Alonso's age (he will be 45 in 2026) coupled with his tumultuous history with Honda, makes his future with the team unclear.

This could significantly impact the driver market, as the Aston Martin seat might become highly coveted – even for a driver like Charles Leclerc, whose contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2024.

Honda returns again to F1

The return of Honda introduces another major constructor to Formula 1, joining Ford (which will power Red Bull's in-house built power units) and Audi, which recently acquired Sauber.

This shift in regulation by FIA and Liberty Media appears to be heading in the right direction, attracting more automotive giants to the competition.

Indeed, the Formula 1 grid in 2026 is gearing up for an exciting transformation, driven by technical innovation, strategic partnerships, and the return of manufacturing giants like Honda.

This continued evolution of the sport is likely to captivate fans worldwide, as Formula 1 strikes a balance between its roots in thermal power and the future of electric propulsion.