Honda to Influence Aston Martin’s Driver Selection for 2026 and Beyond

Honda President Koji Watanabe has disclosed that the Japanese automaker will play a significant role in determining Aston Martin‘s driver roster for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as Honda prepares to part ways with Red Bull at year-end, and join forces with starting from 2026.

Honda’s Influence on Aston Martin’s Driver Lineup

Although Aston Martin retains the final say in its driver lineup, which currently includes two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Canadian driver Lance Stroll, Watanabe confirmed that Honda will continue to express its opinions regarding the drivers for 2026 and beyond.

During an interview with The Japan Times during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Watanabe elaborated: “The number of seats will be reduced. However, as for us, we will continue to voice our opinions as Honda in deciding the drivers for 2026 and beyond.” He added, “Obviously the team has the final say in deciding which drivers join the team … but the situation will be the same [as with Red Bull] where we will have our say.”

Speculations about the future of Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda have hinted at a potential move to Aston Martin. However, with Tsunoda securing his long-awaited opportunity in the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen, no confirmation of a move has been made yet.

Honda’s Return to F1 and Partnership with Aston Martin

Aston Martin announced its departure from Mercedes powertrains in 2023. In line with the new era of F1 regulations, Honda is set to join as a works power unit supplier.

The Japanese manufacturer was lured back into the sport by the commitment to 100% sustainable fuels and the shift towards more hybridized powertrains. Initially, Honda had announced its departure from the sport, leading Red Bull to form a partnership with Ford to utilize Red Bull Powertrains from next year.

Speaking about the decision at the time, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe stated: “One of the key reasons for our decision to take up the new challenge in F1 is that the world’s pinnacle form of racing is striving to become a sustainable racing series, which is in line with the direction Honda is aiming toward carbon neutrality, and it will become a platform which will facilitate the development of our electrification technologies.