It’s been reported that Aston Martin won’t be using Mercedes power units from 2026, with the Silverstone-based team expected to enter a new partnership with Japanese manufacturer Honda.
Honda have been on the search for a partner for 2026 ever since Red Bull announced that they’d be entering a technical partnership with Ford, as are sister side AlphaTauri.
The Japanese manufacturer’s options for the new power unit regulations have been slim, with only a handful of midfield teams being available.
However, it appears that Aston Martin are their preferred choice, with the British team expected to become a Honda works’ side when the new regulations are introduced.
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According to The Race, “multiple sources have indicated Honda will commit to the new regulations after all, with Aston Martin – currently a Mercedes engine customer – tipped to be its partner.”
This will, of course, see Aston Martin’s partnership with Mercedes come to an end, something which will see the British side lose the Germans power units, suspensions and gearboxes.
It means Aston Martin will have to design their own, something which could prove to be a challenge given their minimal experience in having to do it.
The bulk of their current car is supplied straight from the Silver Arrows, with that being a reason why Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has discussed the similarities between the W14 and the AMR23.
The end of Aston Martin’s and Mercedes’ partnership will likely be one of sadness, given that the German manufacturer have supplied power units to the Silverstone side since 2009, when they were formerly known as Force India.
“The expectation,” writes Scott Mitchell-Malm, “is that it will be Aston Martin that Honda works with.
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“Aston Martin has made its interest in a works engine supply clear, having even tentatively explored its own power unit in the style of Red Bull Powertrains.
“When that was determined to be unviable, Aston Martin considered its alternatives. And Honda was the only route to a works engine deal.”
The biggest positive about the reported partnership is that it shows Honda’s intent to be a power unit supplier in 2026, with their initial interest having been questioned by many given that they didn’t have a team to work with.