Honda signs up for F1's 2026 engine cycle, but has no team

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The FIA has confirmed that six engine manufacturers have signed up to produce a next-generation power unit for F1 from 2026, including Honda although its unknown which team the Japanese manufacturer will supply.

Grand Prix racing's future engine regulation cycle will kick off in three years time with a unit that will feature enhanced electrical power and that will operate on 100 per cent sustainable fuel.

The six manufacturers or brands are Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, Honda and new suppliers Red Bull Ford and Audi.

While Alpine's engines are produced by Renault at Viry-Châtillon, the Red Bull Ford-branded unit will be supplied by Red Bull Powertrains in Milton Keynes.

Audi will partner with Sauber for its F1 efforts but Honda, which powered Max Verstappen to the Dutchman's maiden world title in F1 in 2021 and won the Constructors' championship with Red Bull Racing last season, has yet to contract with a team for 2026.

Read also: Ford to partner with Red Bull and AlphaTauri from 2026

Honda's potential customers might include incumbents such as Williams, Haas or Aston Martin, while Andretti-Cadillac, should its entry into F1 receive a green light, appears to already have a deal with Alpine, but that could change.

"The confirmation that there will be six Power Unit manufacturers competing in Formula 1 from 2026 is testament to the strength of the championship and the robust technical regulations that have been diligently created by the FIA in close collaboration with Formula 1 and the Power Unit manufacturers,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"The Power Unit is at the forefront of technological innovation, making the future of Formula 1 more sustainable while maintaining the spectacular racing.

"I am grateful for the confidence of world-leading automotive manufacturers demonstrated by their commitment to Formula 1."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.