From 2026, Honda’s top brass plans to have a say in Aston Martin’s line-up, according to Koji Watanabe, the chairman of the Japanese company’s racing division. With the introduction of new engine regulations, Honda will exclusively supply engines to the British racing team. Just as the automotive giant had a say, however modest, in the distribution of Red Bull contracts in the past, they also want to exert influence at Aston Martin. Is this bad news for Lance Stroll?
Team owner Lawrence Stroll has heavily invested in Aston Martin over the past few years. In addition to recruiting two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, the Brits strengthened their team last year with master designer Adrian Newey. Moreover, the team now operates from a high-tech headquarters in Silverstone. Both Alonso and ‘boss’s son’ Lance Stroll have contracts until 2026, with regards to the driver line-up.
For the upcoming generation of Formula 1 cars, Aston Martin is partnering with Honda. The Japanese manufacturer, currently still associated with Red Bull, was initially set to leave the sport but signed an exclusive deal with Lawrence Stroll in 2023. Koji Watanabe, chairman of Honda’s racing division, wants to have a say in the selection of drivers during this collaboration.
Is it the End for Lance Stroll?
“The number of seats is being reduced,” Watanabe told The Japan Times. Currently, Honda can influence the driver line-ups of Red Bull and Racing Bulls, but in the future, they will only be able to do so at Aston Martin. “As far as we’re concerned, we’ll continue to voice our opinion when deciding on the drivers for 2026 and beyond. The team obviously has the final say, but the situation will be the same as with Red Bull. We will certainly have our say.” This could potentially be bad news for Lance Stroll, who has enjoyed the protection of his father within the team in recent years. Analysts often unanimously agree that any other driver with similar performances to Stroll would have been let go long ago.
Finally, Watanabe also addressed recent discussions about the return of the V10 engine. The FIA and Formula 1 are flirting with the idea of an atmospheric V10 and sustainable fuels, but the teams are – for now – vehemently opposed. Honda is no different. “Our position has not changed,” said Watanabe. “Electrification is important to us, and that’s why we continue to participate,” he referred to the current plans for more hybrid technology.
