Honda confirms Tokyo launch for 2026 F1 power unit

Honda has scheduled a dedicated global launch event for its 2026 Formula 1 power unit in Tokyo on January 20, 2026, marking an unusual step for an engine manufacturer ahead of a major regulation change. The event will be attended by Honda President Toshihiro Mibe, Aston Martin's Lawrence Stroll, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and will be livestreamed globally in English and Japanese, underscoring the strategic importance of Honda's full works return with Aston Martin.

Why it matters:

A standalone power unit reveal is a rarity in F1's pre-season calendar, which is typically dominated by full car launches. This move signals Honda's intent to re-establish itself as a leading force under the dramatically new 2026 technical regulations. It highlights the manufacturer's confidence and the pivotal role the new power unit will play in Aston Martin's ambition to climb the grid.

The Details:

• The launch event is set for January 20, 2026, in Tokyo, weeks before the Aston Martin AMR26 chassis is unveiled on February 9.
• Honda recently became the first manufacturer to publicly tease its 2026 project by releasing a short audio clip of the new power unit's sound.
• The 2026 rules represent the most significant power unit overhaul in a generation, mandating a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power and the use of 100% sustainable fuels.
• This partnership with Aston Martin, announced in 2023, follows the conclusion of Honda's successful but formal association with Red Bull at the end of 2021.

The Big Picture:

Honda is framing 2026 as the start of a new long-term era, leveraging its extensive history in the sport that began in 1964. The company is returning as a full works manufacturer after a period of reduced involvement, aiming to capitalize on the regulatory reset. For Aston Martin, which finished seventh in the 2025 constructors' championship, the new engine partnership is a cornerstone of its plan to become a front-runner, bolstered by the leadership of new Team Principal Adrian Newey and Chief Strategy Officer Andy Cowell.

What's Next:

The Tokyo reveal will provide the first comprehensive look at the technology Honda believes can make it competitive in F1's new era. All eyes will then turn to the Aston Martin AMR26 car launch in February and subsequent pre-season testing, where the integration of this new power unit will face its first real-world examination.