Aston Martin‘s preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign are continuing at pace as the team has fired up its 2026 car.
The Silverstone-based squad is embarking upon the rule changes with a switch in engine supplier as it partners up with Honda.
Honda engineers were in attendance at Aston Martin’s base as the team shared a clip that showed the power unit being fired up.
This marks an essential step in the team’s preparations as the engine and chassis come together for the first time prior to the winter shutdown.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
Following a dismal return to F1 in 2015 with McLaren, Honda powered Red Bull to two Constructors’ titles and Max Verstappen to four Drivers’ Championships.
The Japanese marque has now teamed up with Aston Martin as the British marque aims to become a serious contender at the top.
Honda’s new partnership sees it reunite with Adrian Newey, the storied design guru who will begin the season as Aston Martin’s new team boss.
Along with Newey, Fernando Alonso will be hoping that his own second spell with Honda will give him the chance to return to the top step in 2026.
The two-time F1 champion, who will partner Lance Stroll for a fourth campaign, has not won a single race since the Spanish Grand Prix in May 2013.
“I’m optimistic, because it’s a reset of things. You know, everyone has the chance to do a better job than the others,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“We start from scratch, so that’s one thing that offers always hope. We have our new facilities completed now, we have our own wind tunnel.
“We have Honda as engine supplier – and only for us. Aramco, Adrian Newey… so we have some good things to be optimistic [about], but this is a very competitive sport, and everyone is doing a very good job. So we’ll see.
“I’m relaxed. You know, it’s a long championship ahead. I think a lot of things will happen in the first three or four months of the year, when you discover the cars and which direction and philosophy everyone took, you learn a lot of things in the first two or three races.
“So, you know, I think we have the right people and the right facilities and environment to have a good season. So it’s up to us.”
READ MORE – Why Fernando Alonso supports Aston Martin’s stance over Christian Horner hire
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
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