From 2026, Formula 1 engines, hybrids since 2014, will use 100% sustainable fuel, and electricity consumption will increase by 50% compared to current levels.

So the manufacturers involved are obviously already working on this new regulation, and with that in mind Honda and Aston Martin have just formalized their alliance in Formula 1 from 2026.

Honda is officially back in the game

Honda has not “officially” been an engine manufacturer in the queen of motorsport since 2021 following Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s title. But in reality, the Japanese manufacturer still has a foot in Formula 1 until the end of 2025 thanks to the supply and operation of the engines that power Red Bull and AlphaTauri.

It would have been thought that Honda would return with Red Bull in 2026, but the team of the reigning world champions decided to partner with Ford. Therefore, the Japanese firm teamed up with Aston Martin, quite a logical partnership, since the team of Lawrence Stroll does not intend to cooperate with Mercedes after 2025 and therefore actively sought an engine manufacturer to continue its adventure in Formula 1.

From 2026, the hybrid powertrain component known as the MGU-K (or Kinetic Engine-Generator) is expected to develop approx. 470 horsepower (350 kilowatts), or about half of the total power of a single-seater car.

An electric future for Honda

Honda says lessons learned in developing Aston Martin’s new powerplant will be applied to its road-going vehicles, including “sports electric model” who could be the next generation NSX.

Honda explains that its decision to officially re-enter Formula One was motivated by the championship’s increased sustainability efforts. It will be recalled that Formula 1 aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and switch to 100% ecological fuel from 2026.