General
Honda sets ambitious goal for 2026: 'To become champion with Aston Martin'
- Ludo van Denderen
Since Honda announced their intention to leave Red Bull Racing and even Formula 1 in 2021, the team have won five world titles (three in drivers, two in constructors). It is now clear that the Japanese engine suppliers have backtracked on their initial plan to part ways with the sport partly due to their success, and with Aston Martin as a new partner, the success might continue. In any case, ambitions are sky-high, HRC president Koji Watanabe told Motorsport.com.
Red Bull Racing are building their own power unit with Ford for 2026. Several F1 teams contacted Honda. With some, there was just one conversation; with others, they sat around the table more often. In the end, Aston Martin was chosen as the new partner.
Honda believes in Lawrence Stroll plans
Watanabe cited Mr Stroll's "passion and strong leadership to fight for the world championship in 2026" as the main reason for teaming up with the British team. From their new factory at Silverstone, Aston Martin expects to take the final step towards the absolute top in Formula 1 with the Honda powerunit.
If it is up to Watanabe, this will happen relatively soon: "Become World Champion from 2026 onwards", he mentions as his goal. The boss agrees there is still plenty of work to do. "But we have to set sharp goals to be able to get the very best out of it together with Aston Martin. That's why we put in with Mr Stroll and with Mr Mibe (CEO of HRC] to please aim for, so purely aim for, winning the world championship in that year. In practice, we know it won't be that easy."