Back in May 2023, Honda announced that they had established a partnership with Aston Martin from 2026 onwards. Previously, they announced that they would leave F1 after the 2021 season, but subsequent success with Red Bull Racing and the 2026 regulations convinced them to stay.
Soon after the announcement, Honda established a new UK base to handle power units for Aston Martin and other logistical matters.
During the 2025 24 Hours of Daytona, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) president Koji Watanabe revealed that it has not been smooth sailing and revealed that the company has been “struggling” in developing the power units for 2026.
Development hurdles with the 2026 engine
The upcoming 2026 regulations play an important part in electrification, efficiency, and sustainability — aspects that are close to Honda’s company-wide mission.
Speaking to the media during the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona last weekend, Koji Watanabe revealed that the Honda company has been encountering difficulties in developing the 2026 power unit, however.
“Not so easy. We are struggling. Now we are trying our best to show the result next year.”
Watanabe revealed that everything related to the 2026 power units is new and developing a lightweight battery, and other components have been the source of headache for the company. However, HRC refused to back down from the challenge.
“Everything is new. The motor is a new 355-kW, very compact one we need. Also the lightweight battery, it’s not so easy to develop. And also the small engine with the big power. Everything is very difficult, but we try our best.“
Those are the words that Aston Martin may not have hoped to hear from their future engine supplier and undoubtedly will be hoping that HRC can resolve this issue as soon as possible before the 2026 season kicks off.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll already invested heavily to turn Aston Martin from a competitive midfield runner into a championship contender and recruited legendary designer Adrian Newey who was swayed by the team’s passion and commitment. Driver Fernando Alonso who has been critical of Honda in the past, is also ready to win together with Honda and leave his GP2 comments back in the past.
