Honda Sets January Reveal for 2026 F1 Power Unit, Citing Vital Role in Future

Honda will officially unveil its all-new 2026 Formula 1 power unit at a dedicated event in Tokyo on January 20, marking its full-fledged return as a manufacturer. The Japanese giant frames its comeback not just as a sporting endeavor but as a technological necessity, with HRC President Koji Watanabe stating, "I think Honda probably can’t live without F1." The launch kicks off its new works partnership with Aston Martin, which is switching from Mercedes power.

Why it matters:

Honda's formal re-entry as a registered power unit supplier reshapes the competitive landscape for the 2026 regulation cycle. Its partnership with an ambitious Aston Martin team creates a new potential front-running alliance, while its exit as Red Bull's engine partner forces the reigning champions to rely on their own, unproven Red Bull Powertrains division. More broadly, Honda's commitment underscores F1's evolving role as a critical R&D platform for road-relevant, sustainable propulsion technology.

The details:

• The reveal event on January 20 will be livestreamed and feature Honda President Toshihiro Mibe, Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
• The 2026 regulations, which mandate a near 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and a much more powerful electric motor (350kW), align perfectly with Honda's corporate direction.
• Watanabe emphasized that the new rules, combined with the use of 100% sustainable fuels, make F1 the ideal "pinnacle" arena to refine and showcase future propulsion technology.
• While Honda's branding left F1 after the 2021 season, its HRC division never actually stopped building and maintaining the championship-winning engines for Red Bull and Racing Bulls through a technical collaboration, retaining the intellectual property.

The big picture:

Honda's journey highlights the complex realities of modern F1 engine supply. Its official 2021 withdrawal was followed by a behind-the-scenes continuation of support for Red Bull, a move born of a strong relationship and the immense challenge of the switch to E10 fuel. The decision to return fully for 2026 signals a calculated shift from being a hidden champion to a front-facing innovator, using Aston Martin as its flagship to demonstrate technological leadership in the new sustainable era.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the January 20 reveal for the first concrete look at Honda's 2026 philosophy. The subsequent pre-season test in Barcelona begins just six days later, offering an early, if limited, glimpse of the power unit's integration with the Aston Martin chassis. The success of this new partnership will be one of the defining stories of the 2026 season, testing whether Honda's advanced technology and Aston Martin's infrastructure can together mount a sustained title challenge.