Honda's Watanabe reveals why Aston Martin partnership has stumbled in 2026

Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe has explained the manufacturer's difficult 2026 start with Aston Martin, citing a completely new working environment and the lasting impact of Honda's temporary Formula 1 exit.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin sits 10th in the Constructors' Championship with just one point, and both cars retired in Barcelona. Watanabe's assessment confirms Honda views this as a long-term rebuild, not a quick-fix situation.

The details:

• Everything is new: Unlike the Red Bull era, the Aston Martin project faces unfamiliar 2026 regulations, new Aramco fuel, and new Valvoline lubricants. Watanabe said this fresh start makes integration complex.
• Delayed restart: Honda's exit at the end of 2021 and its 18-month absence from the sport created a significant development gap. Watanabe admitted that rebuilding technical capacity and rehiring key talent has taken longer than anticipated.
• Tempered expectations: Summer updates for the internal combustion engine are coming, but Watanabe insisted they won't change the situation overnight.
• Stroll's backing: Despite the poor on-track results, Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll remains fully supportive. Watanabe noted that honest, regular discussions cover everything from power unit performance to chassis development and operational improvements.

What's next:

Honda will introduce power unit updates during the summer races, but Watanabe cautioned that closing the gap to rivals will take considerable time. The immediate priority remains building a solid operational foundation with Aston Martin rather than chasing sudden results.