Aston Martin CEO & Team Principal Andy Cowell hailed the “exceptionally respectful” Honda for its handling of switching allegiances from Formula 1 rivals Red Bull.
Despite officially pulling out of F1 at the end of 2021, Honda has continued to power the two Red Bull-owned teams and offer technical support.
However, in 2026, Honda will be the official works engine provider for Aston Martin with Red Bull embarking on an in-house project in collaboration with Ford.
Speaking to select media, including Motorsport Week in Japan, Cowell hailed positive meetings with Honda.
“I visited Honda on Wednesday and I’ve got meetings with Honda tomorrow and Tuesday,” he said last weekend.
“The collaboration is great and the progress is positive.
“There are always issues to work on at this point in the development process. It’s an enjoyable group of people to work with.”
Honda keeping work divided between Aston Martin and Red Bull
Honda has to juggle helping Red Bull through the final year of its power unit partnership, one that was celebrated with a special livery at Suzuka, while also developing Aston Martin’s power unit for next year.
A hard task perhaps, but Cowell explained how Honda is approaching it with diligence.
“I don’t think it’s divided. I think they’ve got some people left on this year’s project,” he said.
“They’ve got some people straddling but not too many. They are exceptionally respectful of the journey they’re on this year with Red Bull and the journey they’re on with us beyond.
“When I was in the test facility on Wednesday last week, the Aston Martin group are there running a powertrain and they’ve got it all divided off with Honda personnel only through this area.
“They’re being respectful to both teams.”
Max Verstappen gives Honda the perfect send off in Japan
Honda and Red Bull celebrated their partnership with not only a special livery at the Japanese marque’s home circuit, which it owns, but with victory courtesy of Max Verstappen.
“Honestly, the relationship that we have had with Honda has been amazing,” the Japanese GP victor said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with them, how they also work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are.
“They’ve given me so much and, you know, together to win four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’, you know, it’s been unbelievable. And those, of course, are things that you will never forget.
“It did cross my mind while driving as well. I said it would be, you know, insane to win here today. Also for Honda on their track as well. So maybe gave that extra motivation to try and stay ahead. But yeah, it’s a proper send-off.”
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