Now will we see an F1 Edition Vantage with the NSX's V6?
Image Courtesy Honda
Honda announced plans to supply the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One team with power units starting in 2026, when F1 will implement new regulations for its powertrains:
In pursuit of its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, starting from the 2026 season, F1 will implement new regulations with an engine/electric motor maximum power output ratio of 50/50. This will represent a significant increase in the deployment of electrical power compared to the current ratio, while use of a 100% sustainable fuel is also required.
Specifically, the 2026 regulations require a reduction of engine output while tripling the output of the energy recovery system (ERS), which recovers kinetic energy under certain situations such as braking, and converts it into electrical energy. This will result in maximum power output that is roughly even between the engine and motor.
The Honda Racing Corporation–which has overseen Honda’s car and motorcycle racing activities since 2022–will be in charge of developing the power units.
Why get this involved in the next generation of Formula 1? As Global Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe explains, "One of the key reasons for our decision to take up the new challenge in F1 is that the world's pinnacle form of racing is striving to become a sustainable racing series, which is in line with the direction Honda is aiming toward carbon neutrality, and it will become a platform which will facilitate the development of our electrification technologies.”
Now will we see an F1 Edition Vantage with the NSX's V6?
In reply to j_tso :
You know, that would be really cool to see. Almost fitting since Aston Martin is getting ready to debut the next-gen DB:
Aston Martin teases next-generation DB model–and future of the brand
Since Stroll owns the high stake of both Aston F1 and cars, does this also mean a shift in the engine supplier for the cars? Maybe accord parts used to make a v12?
In reply to alfadriver :
Two J35s put together to make a 7-liter V12? Would be cool.
But I doubt it, they have an agreement with Mercedes to supply AMG powerplants, electronics, infotainment, etc. And part of that agreement includes an over-time increase in ownership stake of Aston Martin negotiated in late 2020. Right now, Merc owns about a ~10% stake.
With Honda losing its F1 attachment via Red Bull, I'm not surprised they wanted to shop around to supply power trains to somebody, just kind of a limited market.
The factory teams of Mercedes, Alpine, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari are all obviously off the table. HAAS is just Ferrari's 'C-team' behind Alfa Romeo. Red Bull and AlphaTauri are also off the table, since they're going to be Ford-powered.
So that leaves Aston Martin, Williams, and McLaren as potential suitors. All three of those teams are running Mercedes engines currently. So, peeling one away is a win for Honda and also means it's the only team that'll be running Honda engines in 2026 (so far).
In reply to DocRob :
this sets up a nice business conflict. F1 is Honda, all the rest is mercedes. Both sides race, both sides have Stroll as top owner. Given who designed the previous AML motors, Honda would be very capable.
In reply to alfadriver :
I wouldn't mind if Honda bought out Merc's stake and supply options for Aston Martin Lagonda.
alfadriver said:Since Stroll owns the high stake of both Aston F1 and cars, does this also mean a shift in the engine supplier for the cars? Maybe accord parts used to make a v12?
Knowing how they made the last V12, that would be kind of appropriate, wouldn't it? 
In reply to Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) :
Indeed.
At this point, I really want to see the car side succeed.
alfadriver said:In reply to Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) :
Indeed.
At this point, I really want to see the car side succeed.
Definitely want to see Aston succeed. They seem to be doing okay at present.
I think a baby Aston powered by the HR35TT/AR35TT would be awesome. Priced around 115k would be a sweet spot in the market for them. Call it the DBP, P for the "Poors".
We might argue that's a bit of a crowded market with the 911, C8, GT-R, well optioned Caymans, Lotus, etc. But that it is a crowded market is because it's a good market.
Plus, from a purely selfish perspective, convincing myself and the Mrs to buy a DBP will be easier when its filled with Honda parts.
In reply to DocRob :
Now I'm imagining this weird inversion where GT3 Vantages are also Honda powered in IMSA, GT America, and WEC. That would cut into HPD's NSX GT3 program though.
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