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Aston Martin is set to partner with Honda, and with it, the Japanese manufacturer Honda is set to return to the F1 grid in 2026. However, this deal could result in Lawrence Stroll losing a humongous amount of USD 35,000,000 in annual boost. The reason behind this is Martin Whitmarsh, who was involved in the 2008 Spygate scandal, and is the real reason behind the Aston Martin and the Honda deal.
Also read: Honda to supply F1 engines to Aston Martin in 2026
Notably, Aston Martin and Honda released a joint statement a few weeks ago announcing their collaboration. According to the statement, Honda will be the title sponsor of Martin’s F1 team from 2026 onwards. They also announced the name of the new team, which will be Aston Martin Aramco Honda. As per this, Martin will have to call off their recent partnership with Cognizant. As per Insidersport, the British F1 team receives USD 35,000,000 from the IT giants, signing the new deal will cost them this amount.
Speaking about Honda’s participation in F1, the Japanese manufacturers first competed in the championship as a workers team in 1964-68 and won three races. They made a comeback to the grid in 1983, but only as engine manufacturers. They partnered with some of the most successful F1 teams like Williams and McLaren. Honda won two championships with Williams, in 1986 and 1987. While with McLaren, they won four from 1988-91. After having a disappointing third and fourth era, their engines helped Red Bull’s Max Verstappen win the Drivers’ Championship in 2021. With their deal with Aston Martin, they will enter their fifth stint in F1 from the 2026 season.