Aston Martin is currently navigating a challenging 2026 Formula 1 season, powered by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) power units. This partnership, officially designated as Aston Martin Aramco Honda, commenced with the current season following an announcement in May 2023.
The Silverstone-based team previously utilised Mercedes-AMG engines, gearboxes, and rear suspensions until the conclusion of the 2025 season. The transition to Honda for the 2026 regulations marked a significant shift towards a works partnership model for Aston Martin.
However, the initial phase of this collaboration has been difficult. The Honda RA626H power unit has presented performance issues, including significant vibrations at the start of the season that reportedly posed a risk of nerve damage to drivers.
A notable power deficit compared to benchmark units, such as the Red Bull Ford powertrain, has also hampered Aston Martin’s competitiveness. This has led to the team occupying tenth position in the constructors’ standings during the current season.
In response to these performance gaps, Honda has introduced upgrades to its power unit under the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system. The latest Specification 2 engine debuted at the Dutch Grand Prix, held from August 21-23, 2026.
Despite these updates, driver feedback has indicated ongoing concerns. Fernando Alonso commented after the Dutch Grand Prix that the latest engine specification had compromised drivability and gear-change improvements, suggesting a regression to earlier issues.
‘Everything we’d improved with the first engine; we’ve gone back a bit to square one with this second one, so we’ve got about two or three races ahead of us to optimise it.’
These performance challenges have intensified paddock speculation regarding Aston Martin’s long-term engine strategy. Rumours suggest a potential return to Mercedes power from the 2028 season.
Reports from Diario Sport indicate that Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has met with Aston Martin representatives at various events, including the recent Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, as well as earlier contacts in Barcelona and Australia.
While a photograph of a Mercedes scooter outside Aston Martin’s hospitality unit at Zandvoort has been cited as circumstantial evidence, no official engine contract has been signed. The discussions remain speculative for the 2028 season and beyond, rather than an immediate change for the current or upcoming 2027 season.
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that the company understands the required advancements and has reinforced its engineering capabilities. However, Watanabe has not provided a specific timeline for achieving a top-tier engine.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll may reconsider the Honda arrangement for 2028 if the Japanese manufacturer does not demonstrate sufficient progress throughout the 2027 season.
Concurrently, Aston Martin has already initiated early development work on its 2027 challenger, the AMR27. Technical Chief Adrian Newey confirmed that the team is making fundamental architectural decisions for the car, including engine positioning and suspension concepts.
