Honda targets F1 return to top tier by 2027 with Aston Martin

Honda is implementing a strategic development plan to return to the top of Formula 1 following a difficult start to its partnership with Aston Martin. After facing significant reliability issues, including severe battery-related vibrations that caused physical discomfort for drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, Honda is focusing on improving its internal combustion engine performance.

At the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Honda will introduce its first ADUO upgrade of the season, specifically targeting combustion efficiency and power. While this is intended to close the performance gap in the immediate term, Honda’s long-term goal is to achieve a reference-level power unit by 2027 or 2028.

Shintaro Orihara, Honda Racing Corporation’s Chief Engineer, noted that despite early technical struggles and a different workforce structure compared to their previous era with Red Bull, the relationship with Aston Martin remains professional and respectful. The team is also working to improve the integration of the power unit with the chassis designed by Adrian Newey to maximize performance for the upcoming seasons.