Lawrence Stroll sets realistic timeline for Aston Martin-Honda partnership ahead of 2026
Aston Martin F1 owner Lawrence Stroll says the team must be patient with new engine partner Honda in 2026, acknowledging the time needed to develop and integrate a brand-new power unit under major regulation changes, while still maintaining "very high" long-term expectations for the works partnership.
Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll is tempering immediate expectations for the team's new works partnership with Honda in 2026, emphasizing the need for patience as the Japanese manufacturer develops a brand-new power unit under major regulation changes. While stating ambitions remain "as high as they can be," Stroll acknowledges the complex process of integrating a works engine will require significant time to gel.
Why it matters:
The shift from being a Mercedes customer team to a full Honda works outfit represents the most significant technical and strategic change in Aston Martin's Formula 1 history. Success hinges on the seamless integration of a brand-new chassis designed around an equally new power unit—a process that historically takes time, even for established partnerships. Stroll's public messaging manages expectations while underscoring the long-term commitment to this new chapter.
The Details:
- Stroll explicitly stated the team must give Honda "the necessary time to develop that power unit," highlighting the development curve expected for the new 2026 regulations.
- He contrasted the experience of being a works team versus a customer, noting that "designing a chassis that fits a power unit is one thing, as opposed to having a customer engine and simply receiving it."
- Despite the call for patience, Stroll confirmed that internal expectations for the project are "very high, as high as they can be."
- The 2026 season will mark Honda's return to an exclusive works partnership after its successful stint with Red Bull, which yielded four drivers' titles with Max Verstappen.
What's next:
The 2025 season will serve as a final year with Mercedes power before the full transition. All focus at Aston Martin's Silverstone base is now on the parallel development of their 2026 chassis and the deep technical collaboration with Honda's engineers in Japan. The true test of this patience-focused strategy will come at the start of the 2026 season, when the AMR26 and its Honda power unit are unveiled and must immediately prove their competitiveness.