Honda to hold special Tokyo launch for 2026 F1 power unit ahead of Aston Martin partnership

Honda will unveil its 2026 Formula 1 power unit at a special event in Tokyo on January 20, marking the start of its new exclusive partnership with Aston Martin. The Japanese manufacturer is ending its successful collaboration with Red Bull Racing as the sport enters a major regulation change, with Red Bull shifting to an in-house engine developed with Ford. Aston Martin, whose 2026 car designed by Adrian Newey is scheduled for a February 9 reveal, will be Honda's sole works team from 2026 onward.

Why it matters:

This launch symbolizes a significant strategic shift for both Honda and Aston Martin. For Honda, it represents a fresh start with a dedicated partner after achieving championship success with Red Bull. For Aston Martin, securing a works engine supplier is a critical pillar of their ambitious plan to become a championship contender, complementing their new facilities, wind tunnel, and the recruitment of star designer Adrian Newey.

The details:

• The Tokyo launch event is scheduled for January 20, 2026, positioning it as one of the first major reveals of the new regulatory era.
• Honda has already released a teaser audio clip of what its 2026 power unit will sound like, building anticipation for the new engine formula.
• The partnership is a reset for both parties: Honda moves from being one part of Red Bull's dominant package to the sole technical focus for Aston Martin, while Aston Martin gains the stability and technical integration of a works engine deal.

The big picture:

Driver Fernando Alonso has expressed optimism about Aston Martin's 2026 project, citing the regulatory reset and the team's new infrastructure as reasons for hope. He highlighted the completion of their new facilities, including their own wind tunnel, the exclusive Honda partnership, and the arrival of Adrian Newey as key positives. However, Alonso also tempered expectations by acknowledging the intense competitiveness of the sport, where every team is striving for an advantage under the new rules.

What's next:

The power unit launch will be followed closely by the unveiling of the Aston Martin AMR26, the first car of the Newey era, on February 9. All eyes will then turn to pre-season testing to see how the new Honda-Aston Martin package performs against established power unit giants like Mercedes and Ferrari, and the new Red Bull Ford Powertrains project. The success of this partnership will be a defining story of the 2026 season.