Honda’s engine partnership with Red Bull might be coming to an end, but the Japanese company will not be leaving Formula One following an announcement that they will be the engine partner for the Aston Martin team from 2026.

Honda’s decision was based on a number of factors, but according to a spokesperson for the engine maker one of the key considerations was F1’s committed pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Announcing the partnership with Aston Martin Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation said: “In pursuit of its goal in achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, starting in the 2026 season the FIA will mandate the use of 100% carbon-neutral fuel and the deployment of electrical power will be increased significantly by three times from the current regulations.

“With this massive increase in electrical power, the key to winning in F1 will be a compact, lightweight and high-power motor with a high-performance battery that is capable of swiftly handling high power output as well as the energy-management technology.

“We believe this know-how gained from this new challenge has the potential to be applied directly to a future mass-production electric vehicle.

“Currently, electrical power accounts for 20% or less compared to the internal combustion engine.

“But the new regulations require about 50% or more of electrification, which moves even further toward electrification and I believe the technology for electrification will be useful for us in producing vehicles in the future.”

Another factor that played a significant role in the Japanese company’s decision to continue its work in F1 was the extension of F1’s cost cap that cover engines.  “The extension makes long-term and continuous participation in F1 much easier,” said Watanabe.

Meanwhile Aston Martin’s Martin Whitmarsh said he was delighted with the new partnership. “Aston Martin is building a team to win in F1. We have been recruiting the right people and investing in the required facilities and developing the right culture and processes to win.

“To partner a global motorsport titan like Honda is an extremely exciting and important further step for the team. Both organisations share the same relentless ambition to succeed on track. We are very proud, honoured and grateful to put in place this partnership.”