- Aston Martin to leverage trio’s expertise and technology to boost on-track success
- Newey has also been linked with Ferrari, McLaren and Williams after confirming Red Bull exit
Aston Martin have announced a technical collaboration with existing partners Aramco, Honda and Valvoline Global Operations (VGO) as the British motorsport outfit ramps up its preparations for the new 2026 Formula One regulations.
The union aims to leverage the three companies’ expertise and technology to ensure Aston Martin is in a strong position to compete on the track in two seasons’ time.
As part of the strategic partnership, Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco will deliver advanced fuels, and Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda is developing a new works power unit that incorporates a 50-50 split between electric and combustion power. US automotive services firm VGO will provide lubricants for the power unit and further expertise.
Aston Martin hope the trio will put the team at the forefront of performance, reliability and sustainability.
The partnership’s technical development builds on Aramco’s existing sponsorship pact with Aston Martin. The state-owned company initially signed a deal for co-title rights to the team in February 2022, before becoming sole title sponsor from the 2024 season after the downgrading of Cognizant’s partnership.
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“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our journey towards the 2026 F1 season – with the aim of pushing the limits of what is possible,” said Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
“The collaboration with Aramco, Valvoline Global, and Honda is now moving at pace, and we are on track to achieve our ambitious goals. The joint efforts in developing advanced fuels and lubricants, along with our new Honda power unit, are set to elevate our on-track performance and we are confident that this partnership will bring substantial success to everyone involved.”
Aston Martin’s prospects for 2026 also look set to be handed another boost, with legendary Formula One designer Adrian Newey reportedly poised to join the team next year.
The 65-year-old, who is considered to be the mastermind behind Red Bull’s unprecedented dominance of the sport, has secured an early exit from the Milton Keynes-based outfit and had been linked with a switch to Ferrari to coincide with the signing of Lewis Hamilton. Williams and McLaren were also said to be interested in Newey, who has worked at Red Bull since 2005.
However, The Athletic reports Aston Martin are close to finalising a deal for Newey to join the team and an announcement could be made ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which takes place from 13th to 15th September.
Newey’s manager Eddie Jordan has refused to discuss reports that the design legend is joining Aston Martin. According to BBC Sport, the team has scheduled a news conference for 10th September, where Newey’s hiring is expected to be announced.
The signing of Newey would be the latest statement of intent from Aston Martin, as Lawrence Stroll sets about turning the team into a regular challenger for race wins and championships. In July, it was announced former Mercedes Formula One engine boss Andy Cowell was joining Aston Martin as group chief executive, replacing Martin Whitmarsh. Former Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile is also joining the team.
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