The Honda automotive group is returning to Formula 1 as an engine supplier for the 2026 season. The Japanese announced on Wednesday the partnership with the British racing team Aston Martin. Honda, which withdrew from the premier motorsport class at the end of 2021, justified the move primarily with the new engine regulations that will come into effect from 2026, which provide for a higher proportion of electricity and sustainable fuels.
Formula 1 wants to become more sustainable
“One of the main reasons for our decision to accept the new challenge is Formula 1’s aspiration to become a sustainable racing series,” said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe (61). This is in line with the group’s plan to achieve CO₂ neutrality. Aston Martin, former team of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel (35), is currently driving with Mercedes engines.
The future new hybrid engines are to be operated with 100% sustainable fuel. The combustion engine in the unit should only contribute 50 percent of the power, the rest is electric. The new regulations, which are geared towards sustainability, have already had the entry of Audi and ford also made possible from 2026.
Honda has supplied AlphaTauri (then Scuderia Toro Rosso) since 2018 and the Red Bull team around world champion Max Verstappen (25) with drive units since 2019. The Dutchman won his first title in the farewell season. A partnership between Red Bull and Honda will continue until 2025.
After the broken deal with the Volkswagen-Daughter Porsche Red Bull will get drive units from the US company Ford from 2026. The contract is valid until at least the end of 2030. Audi will also enter Formula 1 in 2026 together with the Sauber racing team.