AUGUST 26, 2026

Mercedes rumours grow as Aston waits on Honda

Aston Martin's difficult opening season with Honda has prompted speculation about a possible return to Mercedes power from 2028.

Formula 1 partnerships are usually described as long-term projects right up to the moment someone begins asking what the alternatives might be.

Aston Martin's difficult opening campaign with Honda has inevitably produced speculation about a possible return to Mercedes power. Diario Sport reported that Toto Wolff met Aston Martin representatives at Zandvoort, following other apparent contacts in Barcelona and Australia.

A photograph of a Mercedes scooter outside Aston Martin's hospitality unit has been offered as supporting evidence. This is not quite a signed engine contract, although the paddock has constructed rumours from less.

The theory is that Lawrence Stroll could reconsider the Honda arrangement for 2028 if the Japanese manufacturer fails to make sufficient progress during 2027.

Fernando Alonso's comments after Zandvoort added some fuel. While satisfied with the direction of the chassis, he said the latest engine specification had cost Aston Martin some of the drivability and gear-change improvements achieved previously.

We've kind of gone back to square one with this second one, Alonso said, predicting that the team would need several races to optimise the package.

Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe insists the company understands what must improve. Honda has rebuilt its engineering strength, he says, including the return of important personnel with previous Formula 1 experience.

What Watanabe will not provide is a deadline for producing one of the best engines on the grid.

Today's specification two is the first step toward improving the situation, he said. Our goal is to win.

There is no reason to doubt Honda's ambition, but Formula 1 is littered with sincere ambitions that took longer than their partners were prepared to wait.

Mercedes and Aston Martin already know one another well, making occasional conversations entirely plausible. For now, the meetings may amount to sensible relationship management rather than an escape plan. If Honda's progress stalls, however, those friendly conversations could acquire rather greater significance.