Aston Martin shares first expectations for Honda partnership

Aston Martin is preparing for one of the biggest changes in its modern Formula 1 history. After years of running Mercedes power units, the Silverstone-based team will switch to Honda engines from 2026, a move that senior engineer Enrico Cardile says will mark a major step forward.

Cardile, who recently joined Aston Martin as Chief Technical Officer after leaving Ferrari, revealed that early collaboration with Honda has already been promising. Speaking on Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, he praised the Japanese manufacturer’s precision and drive to meet Aston Martin’s specific performance goals.

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“They’re trying to meet our every request”

“On one hand, Honda is always trying to meet our requests during development,” Cardile said. “They don’t have to compromise between different teams’ needs anymore. On the other hand, because they supply only one team, they can push the limits even further in development. The lower production numbers allow them to aim higher.”

Honda currently supplies engines to Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, but that partnership will end at the close of 2025 as Red Bull teams join forces with Ford to produce their own power units. That shift opens the door for Honda to dedicate all its resources to Aston Martin.

For Cardile, that exclusivity is crucial. “Since I joined, my main focus has been on the chassis side,” he explained. “But I’ve been impressed by how aggressive and determined

Honda has been. They’re open to close collaboration and do everything possible to align with our chassis development requirements.”

New rules, new opportunities

The arrival of Honda coincides with Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulations, which will introduce lighter hybrid systems and increased electrical power. For Aston Martin, the timing couldn’t be better. Despite early podiums with Fernando Alonso, the team has struggled to sustain top form and still lacks the consistency of front-runners like Red Bull and McLaren.

The Honda partnership, combined with Cardile’s technical expertise and Dan Fallows’ aerodynamics leadership, is seen as the cornerstone of Aston Martin’s long-term plan to fight for victories, not just podiums.

Cardile drew parallels with 2021, when the sport’s last major regulation shift opened new creative possibilities. “Initially, the new rules seemed restrictive, but once you dig into them, you find opportunities for innovation,” he said. “It’s the same now. The framework looks tight, but it leaves room for smart engineering solutions.”

A bold new chapter

Honda’s return as a full works partner gives Aston Martin the kind of factory support it’s long sought. After years of being a customer team, they will finally control both chassis and power unit integration, a combination that has historically defined championship-winning outfits.

The expectations are high, but the optimism inside Aston Martin is growing. With Fernando Alonso likely extending his stay and Honda’s proven engine pedigree, the team hopes 2026 could be the year it transforms from contender to consistent frontrunner.