Honda has revealed its new RA626H power unit for the 2026 Formula 1 season during a launch event in Tokyo, marking the start of its works partnership with Aston Martin. Company leaders expressed cautious optimism amid the challenges of F1's overhauled regulations, which emphasize a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power. The event highlighted shared values and future ambitions between the two organizations.
The launch took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan, attended by key figures including Aston Martin Aramco Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll, Honda President Toshihiro Mibe, and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali. The RA626H powertrain, designed for the upcoming AMR26 car, complies with F1's new engine rules that triple electric output to 350kW from 120kW and mandate sustainable fuels.
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe acknowledged the technical hurdles: “The 2026 regulations are technically extremely challenging, and perhaps we will struggle.” He added, “At this stage, before any on-track testing, we don’t know the gap to our rivals, so we’ll have to wait and see once testing begins. In the long term, we aim to fight for championships.” Project leader Tetsushi Kakuda noted progress in electrification but admitted concerns with the internal combustion engine: “The electrification side is progressing as planned. However, that is not necessarily the case for the internal combustion engine.”
Stroll emphasized the partnership's depth: “We are confident that we have all the elements required to fight for victory in the future and we have tremendous faith in Honda’s power unit and the engineers behind it.” Mibe linked the collaboration to Honda's innovative spirit, unveiling a refreshed 'H' logo symbolizing its automobile business transformation.
Aston Martin, founded as Jordan Grand Prix in 1991, transitions from Mercedes engines to this exclusive Honda tie-up after parting with Red Bull at the end of 2025. The team benefits from new Silverstone infrastructure and input from Adrian Newey as team principal. Pre-season testing begins in Barcelona from January 26-30, followed by the official season launch in Saudi Arabia on February 9.
Honda's history includes 72 victories in the turbo-hybrid era, mostly with Red Bull, positioning it as F1's second-most successful engine provider. Domenicali praised the alliance's role in advancing sustainability, aligning with F1's net-zero goal by 2030.
