A new chapter is quietly gathering momentum in Formula 1 – and if Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe is to be believed, it’s one filled with belief, patience and big ambition.
As Honda prepares to return to the grid as a full works partner with Aston Martin in 2026, Watanabe says the project is approaching a defining moment.
The language is confident, optimistic and unmistakably forward-looking. For Honda and Aston Martin, this isn’t just another technical alliance – it’s the foundation of something meant to last.
A partnership built for the long haul
Honda’s final season with Red Bull closed a golden era that delivered two Constructors’ titles and four Drivers’ championships since 2019, and a total of 72 Grands prix wins.
But rather than clinging to past glories, Honda has shifted its gaze firmly to what comes next. For Watanabe, success in 2026 won’t be measured solely by trophies.
“Definition of success... for me, 2026 is a year to ensure the partnership we have created between Aston Martin Aramco and Honda is functioning as planned, as one integrated team,” said the Japanese engineer in an interview published on Aston Martin’s website.
“We need to ensure we have the values we have aimed for and that we achieve our performance goals.
“The thing we can't predict, and is beyond our control, is the status of our competitors. Before we know that, we can't talk about anything beyond meeting our own internal goals for the season.
“Of course, in the longer term, the ultimate goal of this partnership, and our definition of success, is winning the World Championship.”
That balance – realism in the short term, ambition in the long – defines Honda’s thinking as the sport enters a radically new regulatory era.
Why Honda Partnered with Aston Martin
Honda’s decision to align with Aston Martin was no accident. Watanabe says the Silverstone-based team stood out immediately, not just for its facilities but for the people driving the project.
“We've always been careful in the partners we select,” said Watanabe.
In this instance, I was very impressed with the team's leadership and with the passion and vision of Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. He's very competitive – always with a view to winning. It's very impressive.
“You can see the desire to succeed expressed in the new facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, but also in the way the organisation has been strengthened over the past few years with experienced personnel.
“The commitment and focus of the team are very strong, and this was very attractive to us. Exciting too.”
©Aston Martin
That shared intent – to win, and to build patiently toward it – underpins Honda’s belief that this partnership can flourish beyond the opening year of the new rules.
“It's very important to take a long-term view of this,” he added. “Our relationship with Aston Martin Aramco is going beyond a technical collaboration – we are sharing a common vision.
“There is a lot of passion in the team at the AMR Technology Campus, but also a great deal of quality. Pair that with Honda’s development skills and ability to provide winning power units, and we have the potential to be successful in F1, not just in 2026, but also '27, '28 and beyond.
“We are on the eve of something very special.”
One Team, Whatever Comes
The 2026 reset – combining new power units and fresh aerodynamic regulations – promises upheaval across the grid. Watanabe is realistic about the possibility of early struggles, but insists the response must be collective.
“It comes back to the idea of being one team. It's vital to trust and respect your partners and continue to improve together,” he said.
“Honda has supplied engines and power units to various teams over the decades. There have been days and years with very good results, but also days and years with poor results. Whatever happens on track, it's important that we remain one entity.
“F1 can be... cruel. It's a cruel business and sometimes, if results are not what you hope for, it's difficult to improve – but it is absolutely vital to maintain the relationship of trust and respect with your partners.”
For Honda and Aston Martin, the message is clear: success won’t be rushed and setbacks won’t fracture the alliance, as belief runs deeper than lap times.
With the countdown to 2026 accelerating, Watanabe’s optimism suggests a partnership ready not just to compete and win – but to endure.
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