Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell provides insight into the progress and ambitious plans for the Honda engine for 2026
Aston Martin team principal and CEO Andy Cowell has provided an update on the development status of the Honda power unit for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Japanese manufacturer is ending its partnership with Red Bull at the end of this season and beginning a new collaboration with the Silverstone-based team.
“Work has been ongoing for many, many months, and the Honda power unit now fits like a glove at the rear of our monocoque and at the front of our gearbox,” Cowell told F1.com.
“The hardware has been tested in Sakura—Honda’s development center in Japan—and our gearbox has been tested both here in Silverstone and in combination with the Honda unit in Sakura. There are daily meetings as well as regular higher-level discussions to ensure that we are all working in the same direction.”
Development between Sakura and Silverstone on track
Cowell is particularly impressed by the motivation within the team, which is currently undergoing a transition from a customer team to a works team.
“A change like this is a huge step – especially now, with the rule changes coming, the new factory being built and new equipment being introduced,” Cowell continued.
“This is a huge transformation for our entire team. But I’m really excited about the enthusiasm of everyone involved. Everyone wants to move forward, everyone wants to be successful. Everyone is open to questioning and reshaping working methods and responsibilities. There’s a lot to do, a lot of change – but it’s a positive, motivating change.”
Honda learns from 2015 and puts its faith in Newey
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing, has also commented on the development status of the new power unit for 2026.
“Back in 2015, when we returned to Formula 1, we had previously discontinued the project and had to start from scratch,“ explained Watanabe. ”Now it’s different – this time we’re not starting from scratch, which makes development much smoother.”
Another milestone in the new partnership is the return of Adrian Newey. The former Red Bull technical director has now joined Aston Martin as a technical partner and shareholder – a reunion that has Honda excited.
“It is an honor to be working with Adrian Newey again at Aston Martin,” said Watanabe. “Together, we want to develop a competitive Formula 1 car.”
