Honda returns to Formula 1

As the car manufacturer from Japan announced on Wednesday, a factory partnership was concluded with the English team. The new name will be Aston Martin Aramco Honda. Honda only withdrew from the premier motorsport class at the end of 2021, but now decided to make a comeback because of the reforms that will take effect in two and a half years.

“One of the main reasons for our decision to take on the new challenge is Formula 1’s aspiration to become a sustainable racing series”, said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe. This is in line with the Group’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

The future new hybrid engines are to be operated with 100% sustainable fuel. The combustion engine in the unit should only contribute 50 percent of the power, the rest is electric. The new regulations, which are geared towards sustainability, have also made it possible for Audi and Ford to join from 2026.

Honda was a partner of Red Bull until the end of 2021 and celebrated Dutchman Max Verstappen’s first title win in the farewell season. The Japanese group left a year and a half ago because of the high costs as an engine builder. Red Bull used the previously developed fundamentals to build its own powerplant unit, but will continue to receive technical assistance from Honda until the end of 2025. Aston Martin, the former team of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, is currently still using Mercedes engines.

After the failed deal with the Volkswagen subsidiary Porsche, Red Bull will receive drive units from the US company Ford from 2026. The contract is valid until at least the end of 2030. Audi will also enter Formula 1 in 2026 together with the Sauber racing team.