Honda president adamant they’re not giving up on F1 despite Aston Martin embarrassment

Follow us on Google Discover

Even with the tense nature of their relationship, Honda and Aston Martin plan to continue their relationship going forward.

Amid their disastrous start to the season, Honda and Aston Martin recently held a unity meeting to try and mend fences.

Their inability to provide Aston Martin with a strong power unit this season has earned Honda a lot of criticism.

Can Aston Martin’s relationship with Honda survive long-term?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

There has been a lot of talk about Aston Martin and Honda parting ways, with Honda exiting Formula 1 after a disastrous return to the sport.

But HRC president Koji Watanabe has shut down those rumours, committing Honda’s future in Formula 1 for years to come.

READ MORE: Honda president shuts down 2027 F1 engine rumours that are ‘absolutely not true’

Honda president gives his verdict on Formula 1 future after disastrous start to Aston Martin partnership

Speaking with Lawrence Borretto for F1.com, Honda HRC president Koji Watanabe revealed that both he and the rest of Honda have no plans to leave Formula 1 any time soon.

While their return to the sport has not started well, Honda want to improve their performance, and they want to get the best out of their partnership going forward.

“There is no change in our evaluation or our commitment to HRC or motorsport activities at this stage. Taking the challenge of Formula 1 remains part of Honda’s DNA – and it has not changed. We have a long-term commitment.

“The Honda management take the current situation very seriously and are not satisfied with the current results.

“There is a shared understanding that improvement is necessary and at the same time, there is also a clear understanding that the project must be evaluated over the mid-to-long term period, not this year.

“The management continue to provide a strong support and expectation with a focus on the process of solving the challenge we face.”

READ MORE: Honda chief reveals the ‘two main reasons’ behind Aston Martin’s disastrous start to 2026 F1 season

Are Aston Martin below ‘F1 standards’ right now, or is Guenther Steiner being unfair?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Koji Watanabe claims providing support to Red Bull affected Aston Martin partnership

In the same interview, Watanabe admitted that Honda providing Red Bull support despite their partnership ending in 2021, all the way till 2025, slowed their team down heading into their partnership with Aston Martin.

“The recovery from the delay caused by our previous withdrawal has taken time. So the late start of development, as well as the time required to rebuild necessary capacities and capabilities and bring back the required talent, have been a significant factor.”

Honda and Aston Martin are under immense pressure to turn their situation around before the summer break, as their season and their future depends on it.

Fernando Alonso will weigh his future after seeing Aston Martin and Honda’s upgrades this season, and whether they help him compete at a higher level.

With Aston Martin now fighting for their future, they have to deliver results in a big way. And Honda’s work on the power unit is crucial to help them do that.