Watanabe says Honda-Aston Martin bond has strengthened under pressure

Koji Watanabe says Honda’s first season as Aston Martin’s engine supplier has put their relationship to the test, but he believes the strain has made their bond stronger.

In an interview with Motorsport.com Japan, the outgoing Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) chief said both sides’ goals were aligned from the outset. He says they must deepen their cooperation to improve the competitiveness of the complete car. Watanabe is due to leave HRC after the 2026 season, with Keiichi Yasuda set to take over.

Honda’s first season with Aston Martin has brought combustion-engine vibration problems, a failed battery pack and a power unit that has fallen short of rivals. Watanabe said the companies are examining where the car loses performance and what measures could address the problems, including better integration of the power unit and chassis.

Aston Martin is also designing its own gearbox and rear suspension for the first time in 2026, after years using Mercedes components. The change has proved difficult to combine with the compact packaging requirements of Honda’s new engine.

Watanabe said both the power unit and chassis still need improvement and that full integration will take time. His immediate priority is for Aston Martin to race at a respectable level in 2027.