Honda Reveals First Look at 2026 F1 Power Unit

Honda has provided the first visual glimpse of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit, offering a sneak peek at the engine that will power its new works partner, Aston Martin. The release of the images and a stylized video comes just weeks before an official launch event in Tokyo, signaling the Japanese manufacturer's readiness for the new regulatory era. This marks a significant step as Honda transitions from its championship-winning partnership with Red Bull to a new challenge with the Silverstone-based team.

Why it matters:

• This reveal signifies Honda's full commitment to its new works partnership with Aston Martin, moving beyond a supplier role to a deeper technical collaboration.
• The images and video are the first public-facing moves in the highly competitive 2026 power unit race, where Honda will face off against Mercedes, Ferrari, and new entrants Audi and Red Bull-Ford.
• After a dominant run with Red Bull, the F1 world is watching to see if Honda can replicate its success with a different team and help propel Aston Martin to the front of the grid.

The details:

• Honda released still images and a short video of the new powertrain, though the video uses a heavy silhouette effect to conceal specific design details.
• The Japanese manufacturer will hold a dedicated engine launch event in Tokyo on January 20.
• The Aston Martin AMR26, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, is set to make its on-track debut with the new Honda unit during the first pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26-30.
• Aston Martin will hold its official car launch for the AMR26 on February 9 ahead of the final pre-season tests in Bahrain.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Tokyo launch event on January 20, where the power unit will be unveiled in full without the silhouette effects. The real test, however, will begin at the Barcelona pre-season test, where the Honda-powered Aston Martin will hit the track alongside its 2026 rivals for the first time, providing the initial glimpse into the competitive order for the new season.