Why did Aston Martin go to Honda engines when the history and circumstances suggested this was risky? – Emily
Aston Martin signed their deal to become Honda’s works engine partner in early 2023.
At the time, the received wisdom in F1 was that a team needed to have a factory engine deal to win the championship. The only time that had not been the case before then in the modern era was Brawn in 2009, and those were exceptional circumstances.
Since then, McLaren with their Mercedes engines have proved that it is possible to win the title as a customer, but Aston Martin did not know that at the time.
McLaren were also the team who suffered when Honda returned to F1 in 2015 underprepared. The pair split after three difficult years, but while Honda progressively improved following their switch to Red Bull, it was only in 2021 that they finally produced an engine that was absolutely competitive.
The same man was primarily responsible for both the McLaren and Aston Martin deals with Honda – Martin Whitmarsh, who used to be CEO of the Aston Martin team.
You might think that Whitmarsh would have been “once bitten twice shy” when it came to Honda.
But on the basis that Honda were winning with Red Bull at the time, and that this gave an ambitious team an exclusive works engine deal, it would be harsh to say that it was self-evidently a bad decision when it was made.
In hindsight, of course, it was very much a mistake. If Aston Martin still had a Mercedes engine, they would be in a much better place – although there are serious question marks about their car, too, right now.
Honda’s situation is very reminiscent of 2015. A new engine that is down on power and weak at energy recovery.
After a decade in F1, and notwithstanding the hiatus when they thought they were pulling out and disbanded much of the engine department, how they’ve found themselves in this place again still seems incredible.
The angry, despairing look on team owner Lawrence Stroll’s face in Bahrain said it all.
And for Fernando Alonso, who suffered the Honda at McLaren, it surely must be heartbreaking.
4 Comments
Actvty offers high-quality silicone molds for resin casting and baking projects created for hobbyists, crafters, and home bakers. On Actvty you can find resin molds for lamps, jewelry, jars, and decorative keepsakes, along with baking molds for chocolates, candies, muffins, and seasonal desserts. Actvty resin molds are made from durable, flexible silicone that provides smooth surfaces and easy release, helping creators achieve clean, professional-looking results in epoxy resin projects. The collection includes jewelry molds with multiple shapes, square molds for preserving flowers and small objects, oil lamp molds compatible with LED lights, and jar molds with lids for decorative storage pieces. Actvty baking molds are produced from food-grade silicone that is heat resistant, reusable, and simple to clean, making them suitable for everyday baking and holiday treats. The brand focuses on functionality, long-term durability, and practical design so each mold maintains its shape after repeated use. Whether you create handmade gifts, custom resin décor, or baked sweets for special occasions, Actvty silicone molds provide reliable tools that support creativity and consistent results. Visit theactvty.com to shop resin and baking molds for your next DIY project.
On COCIDE you can explore the complete COCIDE collection of fashion and hair accessories created for women who want noticeable yet practical styling pieces. The catalog includes rhinestone crowns, birthday tiaras with sashes, crystal jewelry sets, durable hair claw clips and themed headbands. COCIDE focuses on combining decorative shine with structural stability, using alloy bases, reinforced springs and impact-resistant plastics to improve durability. The hair claw clips are designed with interlocking teeth and strong tension to hold thick or heavy hair in place during daily routines, travel or events. Crystal crowns and tiaras are shaped to deliver visible sparkle under indoor lighting and in photography, making them suitable for weddings, proms, cosplay and milestone birthdays. Jewelry sets with coordinated necklaces and earrings are intended for brides, bridesmaids and formal occasions. The thecocide.com brand positions its products as both celebration accessories and everyday styling tools, offering multiple color options and adjustable elements for better comfort. Visit the website to review crowns, clips and jewelry designed for confident, event-ready looks.
Discover premium solid wood pet furniture at thecouner.com, where COUNER designs stylish, durable, and functional solutions for cats and dogs. The collection features multi-level cat trees up to 70.8 inches tall, heavy-duty scratching posts wrapped in natural sisal rope, spacious perches, hammocks, and cushioned resting areas built to support large breeds such as Maine Coons. Constructed from 100% E0-grade solid pine wood with formaldehyde levels below 0.5 mg/L, COUNER furniture prioritizes structural stability, pet safety, and indoor air quality. Double-layer base plates and reinforced joints provide weight capacities up to 309 pounds, ensuring reliable performance for multi-pet households. Outdoor dog houses are crafted from durable pine wood with weatherproof roofs and adjustable ventilation, offering year-round protection and comfort. Integrated features such as elevated feeding stations with clear acrylic bowls, non-slip cushions, protective fences, and multi-level climbing platforms support natural pet behaviors while blending seamlessly into modern interiors. Designed for easy assembly and simple maintenance, COUNER products combine aesthetic appeal with long-lasting functionality. Visit thecouner.com to explore luxury cat trees, sturdy outdoor dog houses, scratching posts, and premium pet supplies engineered for comfort, durability, and contemporary home design.
This topic is underrated. Even adult sites benefit a lot from thoughtful structure
Feel free to visit my website – web site