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In a startling development in the realm of motorsport, Japanese auto giant Honda has announced a full return to Formula 1 in 2026, teaming up with Aston Martin as their engine supplier. Honda’s re-emergence follows their departure from the sport at the close of 2021 after a successful seven-year run, punctuated by a drivers' championship win for Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen.
A History of Partnership and Triumph
During their stint in the sport, the bond between Honda and Red Bull Racing endured, bolstered by a power unit support agreement. This fruitful partnership culminated in both driver and constructor championship victories last year.
The agreement, nonetheless, is due to expire at the end of 2025. Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda, elucidated the driving force behind Honda’s decision to plunge back into the high-octane world of F1. "One of the key reasons for our decision to take up the new challenge in F1 is that the world's pinnacle form of racing is striving to become a sustainable racing series.
This aligns perfectly with Honda's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and will serve as a platform to advance our electrification technologies," he explained.
Towards a More Sustainable Future
Honda's decision to return was notably swayed by Formula 1's new engine rules that come into effect in 2026.
The use of 100 percent sustainable fuels and an enhanced emphasis on electricity are anticipated, resonating with Honda's long-term goals for sustainability. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing is charting its own course with its power unit development department, signing a contract with American automobile titan Ford.
Concurrently, Aston Martin continues to partner with Mercedes for engine, transmission, and rear suspension supply until the end of 2025. Aston Martin Group CEO, Martin Whitmarsh, acknowledged Mercedes as a valuable partner but highlighted the inherent conflict in their shared ambitions. "They are in it to win and clearly we are here to win as well.
Ultimately, there is some incompatibility in those two missions," he stated. Whitmarsh further elaborated on the competitive implications of this relationship, citing the example of the teams’ shared wind tunnel. "The nature of F1 is, if you want to win, it means beating Mercedes, and it's extremely difficult to beat an organisation as good as Mercedes if you're reliant on them for intellectual property, facilities, and components."
