Aston Martin’s F1 future hinges on Honda’s late push and Andy Cowell’s expertise. Can they build a title-winning works team in time?
Andy Cowell’s arrival as CEO of Aston Martin F1 is no coincidence. His expertise as the mastermind behind Mercedes’ dominant power units makes him a key figure as the team transitions from a customer outfit to a full-fledged works team with Honda. With the sweeping 2026 regulations on the horizon, this shift couldn’t be more crucial.
Back in 2014, Cowell was seen as the “Newey of engines,” playing a pivotal role in Mercedes’ F1 supremacy. But now, the challenge is different. Can Honda match Mercedes’ engineering excellence? Are they on track, or playing catch-up?
“Honda has proven its capabilities with multiple wins and championships in recent years,” says Cowell. “In fact, their power unit has outperformed Mercedes’ in terms of race victories. So full credit to them.”
What he doesn’t mention, however, is that engine development has been largely frozen since 2021, making those statistics less telling.
Still, Cowell is convinced by what he’s seen. “I visited Honda’s facility, and I was blown away by the team’s ambition, creativity, and determination—not to mention their sense of humor. The setup is incredibly impressive, as are our partners, Aramco and Valvoline.”
Building a Works Team from the Ground Up
Cowell isn’t just observing—he’s already working closely with Honda engineers, sharing insights from his time at Brixworth.
“I understand the path they’re on, and I can relate to their challenges. My job is to ensure our engineers and Honda’s team work in perfect sync.”
His goal is clear: “By merging my knowledge of power units with my growing expertise in car design, I hope to bring both teams together and align their expectations.”
The ultimate aim? A race car that’s efficient in every way—both aerodynamically and mechanically. “When you chase efficiency, the stopwatch usually rewards you.”
Honda’s Last-Minute Gamble
The new regulations will bring radical changes: the removal of the MGU-H, sustainable fuels, and a power balance shift, with nearly 50% of the car’s 1,000 projected horsepower coming from electric energy.
But Honda’s late commitment to F1 hasn’t helped. After initially announcing their exit, they made a U-turn, leaving the project scrambling to catch up.
Even Tetushi Kakuda, Honda’s program leader, acknowledges the tight timeline: “We plan to homologate our power unit in February next year. Since we started a bit late, we’ll push development right up to the final moment.”
The challenge ahead is massive. Cowell knows it:
“We’re transitioning from a customer team running Mercedes power units to a full works setup with Honda, Aramco fuels, and Valvoline lubricants. On top of that, we’re developing our own gearbox and rear suspension. It’s a huge step forward. We have an enormous to-do list over the next 12 months.”
Aston Martin is taking a bold leap. The next year will determine whether they land on solid ground—or find themselves in freefall.
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Honda & Aston Martin: A Race Against Time for 2026 Honda & Aston Martin: A Race Against Time for 2026 Honda & Aston Martin: A Race Against Time for 2026
