Aston Martin’s CEO and Team Principal, Andy Cowell, is all praise for the company’s new Formula 1 engine partner, Honda, lauding the Japanese automaker’s capabilities. Cowell, who boasts a remarkable track record in F1’s hybrid era, having led the Mercedes High Performance Powertrains division from 2013 to June 2020, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new roles. Under his leadership, Mercedes enjoyed an era of unrivalled dominance, powered by a class-leading power unit that clinched seven world championship doubles.
The vaunted British automaker, Aston Martin, is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a Mercedes powertrain customer to a works team by 2026. This transition is made possible by its new engine partner, Honda. Even though Honda Racing Corporation’s president, Koji Watanabe, has admitted that the 2026 powertrain development is proving to be a “very difficult” task, Cowell remains optimistic, citing Honda’s impressive track record.
Honda’s prowess is evident from the numerous wins and championships it has acquired over the years. Cowell acknowledges this, stating, “The Honda powertrain has won more than the Mercedes powertrain in the last few years, and so hats off to them.” Max Verstappen’s four Drivers’ titles, powered by Honda, further exemplify the Japanese automaker’s capabilities.
Cowell has visited Honda’s factory in Japan and was left in admiration of the team’s ambition, creativity, and drive. Leveraging his experience at Mercedes HPP, he aims to foster seamless communication between the Honda team and the wider Aston Martin unit. This will ensure harmony and “efficiency”, while integrating fuel supplier Aramco and lubricants partner Valvoline.
As Aston Martin prepares for a challenging 12 months ahead, the focus is on transitioning into a works team and working towards the homologation of the 2026 powertrain. The next season’s regulations will see hybrid powertrains dispensing with the MGU-H, the introduction of sustainable fuels, and an increased electrical power output constituting nearly half of the projected 1000 BHP from the entire hybrid system.
Despite the looming challenges, Cowell remains undeterred, stating, “I think our situation for next year, we’re transitioning from being a customer team this year with Mercedes powertrain to a works team with Honda, with Aramco fuels and Valvoline lubricants, and creating our own transmission and rear wishbones and so on.”
Indeed, a long task list awaits Aston Martin as it shifts from merely being a customer outfit to taking everything in house. From creating its transmission to integrating fuels and lubricants, the path ahead is steep. However, with Cowell at the helm, the company is set on creating an efficient racing car, pushing boundaries in every department.
As Aston Martin gears up for this exciting new chapter, the world awaits to see how it leverages Honda’s capabilities to redefine the future of racing.