Mercedes are set for a fresh blow after reports in Italy claimed that Aston Martin are set to ‘trade in’ their Mercedes-Benz engines for a new power supply. Aston Martin are apparently set to change their power unit supplier to Honda from the 2026 season.
New power unit regulations are set to enter Formula One from 2026. Aston Martin reportedly seem set to change their supplier from Mercedes-Benz to Honda, in a potential blow for Toto Wolff’s team.
Should the move go ahead, Mercedes would lose out on the income from selling engines to Aston Martin. That could be a huge blow for Mercedes, who are trying to catch up with Red Bull and end the dominance of Max Verstappen.
There could also be repercussions for Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso, who has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence this season. The Spaniard shares a reportedly frosty relationship with Honda following his spell at McLaren-Honda.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Aston Martin plan to replace their Mercedes power units in 2026. They have been supplied by Mercedes-Benz since 2009, and the change will coincide with fresh power unit regulations.
Red Bull star Verstappen won his maiden World Championship in 2021 with a Honda engine. However, while the company has continued to supply power units, it has not been involved in F1 since.
It is the latest problem facing Mercedes and Wolff, who incidentally owns a share in the Aston Martin Lagonda automotive group. Mercedes’ top driver, Lewis Hamilton, has not won a race since 2021 and his future remains unclear.
Reports this week claimed that the seven-time world champion was set to be offered a deal by Ferrari ahead of a blockbuster switch. The 38-year-old’s Mercedes contract expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a move in a bid to win a record eighth drivers’ championship.
Wolff has admitted that talks with Hamilton over an extension have been ‘uncomfortable’. Further discussions could take place at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.
Wolf said: “It’s just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money.
“I’m firmly convinced that we’ll find each other, there’s not a millimetre of doubt for me. I can’t imagine anything else. If we give Lewis a competitive car, he will win for a long time. Look at Tom Brady and what he was still capable of in his 40s.”
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