Honda to unveil 2026 F1 power unit for Aston Martin on January 20

Honda will officially reveal its 2026 Formula 1 power unit on January 20 at a launch event in Tokyo, marking the formal beginning of its exclusive partnership with the Aston Martin F1 team. The new era begins as F1 enters a radically different technical landscape with the introduction of new power unit regulations.

Why it matters:

This launch signifies a major strategic pivot for both Honda and Aston Martin. For Honda, it’s a fresh start after its dominant but concluding partnership with Red Bull, aiming to prove its technology can succeed with a new constructor. For Aston Martin, securing a works power unit partnership is a critical step in its ambition to transform from a midfield contender into a consistent championship challenger.

The details:

• The event will be streamed live on YouTube and feature key figures including Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
• The 2026 power unit is Honda’s first developed under the new regulations, which mandate a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine power and electric power, using 100% sustainable fuel.
• Honda describes 2026 as the start of a "new era," referencing its long history in the sport dating back to 1964.
• The power unit partnership is part of a broader technical overhaul for Aston Martin in 2026, which will also see the arrival of Adrian Newey as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner.
• Andy Cowell, who served as Team Principal in 2025, will transition to the role of Chief Strategy Officer for the new regulatory cycle.

What's next:

The January 20th unveiling will provide the first concrete look at Honda's interpretation of the 2026 rules. All eyes will be on whether the new power unit can deliver competitive performance and reliability from the outset to propel Aston Martin up the grid. The success of this partnership is central to Aston Martin's long-term goal of winning world championships.