Why Several Teams Wanted Them Before Aston Martin Snagged the Deal

Honda was approached by “several teams” before partnering with Aston Martin for F1 2026. Discover why Honda’s return is causing a stir, the challenges they face, and what this means for Red Bull and Aston Martin.

The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to drama, but Honda’s recent revelation has added a juicy twist to the 2026 season narrative. Koji Watanabe, president of the Honda Racing Corporation, has disclosed that “several teams” approached Honda before they inked a deal with Aston Martin.

This news comes as Honda prepares to end their wildly successful partnership with Red Bull, a collaboration that powered Max Verstappen to four consecutive Drivers’ Championships. But why did so many teams want Honda? And what does this mean for Aston Martin, Red Bull, and the future of F1? Buckle up, because this story is equal parts fascinating, controversial, and downright curious.

Honda’s F1 Journey: From McLaren Disaster to Red Bull Glory

Honda’s relationship with F1 has been a rollercoaster. Their return to the sport in 2015 with McLaren was nothing short of a disaster. The partnership was plagued by reliability issues and lackluster performance, leading to a very public breakup in 2017.

However, Honda’s redemption arc with Red Bull has been nothing short of spectacular. Since 2019, Honda-powered cars have dominated the grid, with Max Verstappen securing four consecutive titles and the RB19 becoming the most dominant car in F1 history, winning 21 out of 22 races in 2023.

Despite officially withdrawing from F1 in 2021, Honda continued to provide technical support to Red Bull, proving their commitment to the sport. Now, with the 2026 regulations looming, Honda is back in the game—and everyone wants a piece of them.

Why Did “Several Teams” Want Honda?

According to Watanabe, Honda’s decision to register as a power unit supplier for 2026 sparked a frenzy among teams. “Some other teams contacted us, as they were interested in working with Honda,” he revealed.

So, what makes Honda so desirable?

1. Proven Success: Honda’s recent track record with Red Bull speaks for itself. Their engines have been the backbone of Verstappen’s dominance, making them a hot commodity.

2. Technical Expertise: Honda’s ability to adapt and innovate, especially with hybrid technology, makes them a valuable partner for the new 2026 regulations.

3. Brand Prestige: Partnering with a manufacturer like Honda brings credibility and resources that smaller teams crave.

While Watanabe didn’t name the teams that approached Honda, it’s fun to speculate. Could it have been Williams, Sauber, or even a surprise like Alpine? The mystery adds an extra layer of intrigue.

The Aston Martin Deal: A Match Made in Heaven?

Honda ultimately chose Aston Martin as their new technical partner, and it’s easy to see why. Aston Martin, backed by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, has been on an upward trajectory, investing heavily in infrastructure and talent.

For Honda, this partnership represents a fresh start and an opportunity to build another championship-winning team. For Aston Martin, it’s a chance to leapfrog the competition with a proven power unit supplier.

However, not everyone is convinced this is a match made in heaven. Some fans have expressed skepticism, pointing to Honda’s past struggles and the challenges of adapting to the 2026 regulations.

The 2026 Regulations: A Daunting Challenge

The 2026 season will introduce sweeping changes to F1, including:

• 50% Electrification: A significant shift toward hybrid power.

• Sustainable Fuels: A move toward fully sustainable fuels.

• Active Aerodynamics: New aerodynamic concepts to improve efficiency.

Watanabe has been candid about the challenges Honda faces. “We are struggling,” he admitted, citing difficulties with the new 355-kW motor, lightweight battery, and compact engine design.

This admission has sparked debate among fans. Is Honda being honest about their struggles, or are they downplaying their progress to keep rivals guessing? Either way, it’s clear that the 2026 regulations are no walk in the park.

Red Bull’s Perspective: A Hint of Salt?

While Honda prepares for their new chapter with Aston Martin, Red Bull is forging ahead with their own engine program in partnership with Ford. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has been quick to downplay any concerns about Honda’s progress.

“They disbanded their project and then restarted it again,” Horner said. “They may well have lost a little bit of time through that. But they’re a very capable company, and I am sure they’ll have a competitive power unit come 2026.”

Horner’s comments have raised eyebrows. Is he genuinely confident in Honda’s abilities, or is there a hint of saltiness about their departure? Either way, it’s clear that Red Bull and Honda’s breakup is anything but amicable.

Fan Reactions: Controversy and Curiosity

The news of Honda’s return has divided fans. Some are excited about the prospect of a new powerhouse partnership, while others are skeptical about Honda’s ability to deliver under the new regulations.

“Honda with Aston Martin could be a game-changer,” one fan tweeted. “But I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Others have been more critical. “Honda struggled with McLaren, and now they’re struggling with the 2026 regs. Why is everyone acting like they’re the saviors of F1?”

The debate has added an extra layer of excitement (and annoyance) to the buildup for 2026.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for F1

Honda’s return is more than just a technical partnership—it’s a statement of intent. The 2026 regulations represent a new era for F1, and Honda’s involvement ensures that the competition will be fiercer than ever.

For Aston Martin, this partnership could be the key to unlocking their full potential. For Red Bull, it’s a reminder that they’ll need to bring their A-game to stay ahead. And for fans, it’s a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the sport.

Conclusion: The Honda Hype Train

Honda’s revelation that “several teams” approached them before they chose Aston Martin has added a fascinating twist to the F1 narrative. Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or just plain curious, one thing is clear: the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.

Will Honda and Aston Martin dominate the grid? Or will they struggle to adapt to the new regulations? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the Honda hype train is rolling, and everyone wants a ticket.