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TechDecember 16, 2025

What Honda’s 2026 Power Unit Launch Means for Aston Martin

Honda has confirmed it will unveil its 2026 power unit on January 20 in Tokyo. While the launch is a formal milestone, it signals the start of full factory integration for Aston Martin.


Honda has confirmed it will unveil its 2026 Formula 1 power unit in January, marking the start of its exclusive works partnership with Aston Martin. While the launch itself is a formal milestone, the significance lies in what it enables: full factory integration at the start of F1’s biggest technical reset in decades.


Honda confirmed the launch details via Formula 1’s official website, stating the reveal will take place on January 20, 2026, in Tokyo.


Why This Partnership Matters in 2026


For the past several seasons, Aston Martin has been a "customer team," purchasing engines, gearboxes, and rear suspension from Mercedes. While this provides reliable hardware, it forces the team to design their car *around* someone else's architecture.


Becoming a "works team" with Honda changes the dynamic entirely:

  • Integration: The chassis and engine are designed together as a single unit.
  • Packaging: Aston Martin can request specific engine shapes or cooling layouts to suit their aerodynamic needs.
  • Priority: They are no longer second in line to a factory team; they are the priority.

    • The Launch Details


    The Tokyo event will feature key figures from both the automotive and racing worlds:

  • Toshihiro Mibe, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co.
  • Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin.
  • Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1.

    • Honda stated: "This is the Japanese marque’s first power unit under the dramatically reformed regulations which sees 50% internal combustion power and 50% electric power."


    The "Dream Team" Assembles


    The timing of the launch coincides with major personnel shifts at Aston Martin.


    Legendary designer Adrian Newey is set to formally take on the role of Team Principal at the start of 2026, leading the team's technical direction. Meanwhile, former Mercedes engine guru Andy Cowell will transition into the role of Chief Strategy Officer, tasked with optimizing the crucial relationship between the British chassis team and the Japanese engine manufacturer.


    With Newey at the helm and Honda power in the back, Aston Martin is making its most aggressive bid yet to fight at the very front of the grid.