Honda reveals 2026 F1 power unit in Tokyo
Honda has kicked off its new partnership with Aston Martin by launching its 2026 power unit during an event in Tokyo.
The former Red Bull power unit supplier had been providing support with its previous power unit but returns as a full manufacturer this season with Aston Martin. The new regulations include a simplified V6 turbo that doesn’t feature an MGU-H, but 100 percent sustainable fuel and more electrical power make for a significant change in approach with Honda’s RA262H.
“Honda is positioning F1 as a symbol of challenge and innovation, and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the global racing arm of Honda, developed RA626H, the new PU for the 2026 season,” Honda president Toshihiro Mibe said.
“Striving to become No. 1 in the world, Honda will continue to take on challenges together with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
“Striving to become No. 1 in the world, Honda will continue to take on challenges together with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
“In 2026, F1 will undergo a major change in regulations for both the chassis and PU. For the PU, the electrical power output produced by the motor and battery will be increased to roughly three times its current output, and the use of advanced sustainable fuel will be required for the engine. In other words, F1 is evolving into a next-generation motorsport that takes on the challenges of both electrification and decarbonization.
“Machines powered by the RA626H will bear a new H mark with refreshed design, Honda adopted as the new symbol representing its automobile business. This new H mark symbolizes the transformation of Honda automobile business and will be used for F1 machines as well as Honda machines in various other motorsports.”
The launch event was also attended by Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, although the F1 team’s new car will not be unveiled until prior to the start of pre-season testing in Bahrain. Stroll says the partnership with Honda provides the foundations for future championship success, but warns it may take time to deliver results.
“I am delighted to celebrate the start of our partnership with Honda here in Tokyo today,” Stroll said. “Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Honda share many values, and those values have brought us together for 2026 and beyond.
“The strong collaboration between the AMR Technology Centre at Silverstone and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) in Sakura demonstrates the depth of our partnership. We are confident that we have all the elements required to fight for victory in the future and we have tremendous faith in Honda’s Power Unit and the engineers behind it.
“Our journey won’t always be easy and challenges inevitably lie ahead, but winning is what drives both companies forward and together we look forward to many successful years of partnership.”
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