Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has revealed the Japanese giant’s initial targets ahead of its anticipated Formula 1 tie-up with Aston Martin in 2026.
Despite having withdrawn from F1 formally at the end of 2021, it has remained in the sport through Red Bull’s use of its IP for its power units since.
That deal came to an end at the conclusion of the 2025 season, as Honda prepares for a full return in 2026 with Aston Martin.
The Honda deal is a major coup for the team, granting the Aston Martin works team status for the first time in the Silverstone team’s long history under its various guises.
Watanabe outlined the goals for Honda in its first year with Aston Martin, with integration between UK and Japan at the forefront.
“[The] definition of success for me [is that] 2026 is a year to ensure the partnership we have created between Aston Martin and Honda is functioning as planned, as one integrated team,” he said on Aston Martin’s Undercut web-series.
“We need to ensure we have the values we have aimed for and that we achieve our performance goals.”
Honda focusing on the fundamentals in 2026
Watanabe revealed a long-term view underpinning Honda’s return, as it targets repeating the success it enjoyed with Red Bull in 2021.
“The thing we can’t predict, and is beyond our control, is the status of our competitors,” he said.
“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.
“It’s very important to take a long-term view of this. Our relationship with Aston Martin 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.”
The risks of returning to the cut-throat world of F1 are not lost on Honda, with Watanabe highlighting the need for unity under all circumstances.
“We are on the eve of something very special,” he expressed.
“It’s vital to trust and respect your partners and continue to improve together.
“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.”
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