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Newey: Honda's 2026 F1 Engine Changes Caught Aston Martin Off Guard
6 Mar
Summary
- Aston Martin learned late last year about Honda's reduced experienced workforce.
- Only 30% of Honda's original staff remain for the 2026 Formula 1 project.
- Honda's reformed team largely lacks championship-winning Formula 1 experience.
Aston Martin F1 team principal Adrian Newey has disclosed that the team was surprised by the extent of restructuring within its engine partner, Honda, as preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations intensify.
Newey revealed that Aston Martin only realized in November 2025 that Honda had retained a limited number of staff from its championship-winning engine era. Approximately 30 percent of the original workforce remains involved, with many of the reformed team being new to Formula 1 and lacking prior experience.
This revelation comes amid other challenges, including concerns about car vibrations. Honda's involvement with Aston Martin for 2026 marks a different structure than its previous successful partnership with Red Bull Racing, which concluded at the end of 2021.
Newey explained that many experienced engineers had moved on during Honda's hiatus from the sport, with some transitioning to other industries like solar panels. The re-established team brought less experience, compounded by the introduction of engine budget caps in 2023.
