Honda will return as a factory Formula One supplier in partnership with Aston Martin in 2026 when F1 introduces new engine regulations, even if Fernando Alonso is still with the team.
Alonso and the engine maker had a nasty split in 2015 when the Spaniard was highly critical of Honda's F1 efforts.
He drives for Aston Martin now, and the team announced on Wednesday in Tokyo that it will have a works partnership with Honda beginning with the 2026 season.
Honda was lured back into a more prominent engine role in F1 with the upcoming new regulations, which are part of F1's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
The engines beginning in 2026 will have an engine/electric motor maximum power output ratio of 50/50 and use 100% sustainable fuel.
Ford has said it plans to return to F1 in 2026 under the new regulations with Red Bull, while General Motors under its Cadillac banner wants in if Michael Andretti is granted a team.
Honda officially pulled out as a works program with Red Bull after the 2021 season — Max Verstappen's first championship year — and it has only aided as a technical partner for both Red Bull and AlphaTauri since. Aston Martin gets its engines from Mercedes.
The FIA has so far approved for 2026 engines from Alpine, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, and Red Bull with Ford. Audi will also be a new entrant.
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