Aston Martin and Honda: the F1 partnership which promised flair but has only seen despair
In-fighting, ‘nerve damage’ concerns and the slowest car on the grid. Could it be going any worse at Aston Martin?
To say it is not the Suzuka homecoming Honda would have envisaged would be one V6 engine-sized understatement. Teaming up with Aston Martin as its new power unit provider this season, the Japanese automotive giant has endured a horrid, reputation-damaging start to the 2026 Formula One campaign. And the blame game has already started.
There were whispers at the start of the year that Honda was some way behind in its engine development. To a point, concerns were pushed to one side after a unique “engine provider” season launch on 20 January in Tokyo. The big bosses all stood side by side, suited and booted, and gave the usual platitudes of potential and performance.
It was a statement-making reintroduction into the sport for Honda, with a touch of flair. But behind the steely demeanour of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll was discontent. In hindsight, it was a foolhardy event.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll (second left) at Honda’s launch event in January (Getty) Turning up three and a half days late to the first pre-season test in Barcelona was the first clue that something was amiss. The official release of timings at subsequent tests in Bahrain and notable absences from the track were the second clue. And the third clue came pounding home at the season-opener in Australia, before a car had even been run.
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