Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has given an update on the team’s preparations with Honda ahead of the 2026 power unit regulations, when the Japanese manufacturer will become the British side’s engine partner.
Since 2009, the Silverstone-based team have been a customer outfit of Mercedes; however, this will all change in 2026 when the new engine regulations are introduced.
Aston Martin will become a works Honda team, meaning they’ll be receiving factory support from the iconic manufacturer who are currently powering Red Bull and AlphaTauri.
Becoming a works team is a big step in the right direction for Aston Martin, as they’ll have more control over the likes of their engine, gearbox and rear suspension.
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Of course, there is no guarantee that Honda’s engine in 2026 will be as good as the one which powered Red Bull to 21 victories this year, although everything is being done to ensure Aston Martin will be in a great position come the start of the new regulations.
Krack has revealed that the “first step” in Aston Martin’s new relationship with Honda has already been completed, with working groups having been set up already.
The team boss has stressed that the relationship is already “one step further” though, as the “working groups are working together”.
There is plenty of communication between Aston Martin and Honda, despite the fact the team’s 2026 car cannot be started on until 2025, something which was recently announced by the FIA.
Nevertheless, the two companies are already “exchanging experiences” and forming a solid relationship.
“The first step that had to be done was to set up some working groups for the different areas to define responsibilities, the usual stuff that you do when you have a technical partnership,” Krack told media including RacingNews365.
“We are already one step further that than that, the working groups are working together.
“[We’re looking at] different areas, exploring exchanging experiences and doing simulation work together.
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“And then [we’re] also updating each other: what is happening on the PU regulation side?
“What is happening on the chassis regulation side? Is there something that we need to drive in common?
“So, all these kind of stuff is going on at the moment.”