Change is a law of nature, and it is inevitable. This law transcends into the world of Formula 1 as well and, in fact, it is possibly the fastest-changing sport in the world. Changes come thick and fast in F1, from drivers to engineers to rules and regulations. The changes and the interpretation of it play a pivotal role in a team’s performance in the sport. Look at Red Bull for example. The Austrian team has been running rampant since the 2022 regulatory changes. Another team taking advantage of the new regulations is Aston Martin. The Lawrence Stroll bankrolled and Fernando Alonso-led Silverstone-based outfit took the entire grid by storm in 2023. Building on that, Aston Martin has been making strides and strengthening their armory for the battles to come.

With two seasons gone and two more to go, some teams, especially Red Bull and Aston Martin, are also giving the upcoming 2026 regulatory changes considerable attention. These regulations define a team’s performance until the next rule change so why not? Keeping that in mind and F1’s initiative to use the zero-emission fuel, Aston Martin has made strides on par with Red Bull.

Red Bull’s boss recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the 2026 engine regulations. However, the British boss quickly put faith in his team while speaking to the media, as quoted by Reuters. He said, “I actually think we’re in good shape. We’ve got two-and-a-half years,” said Horner. Refuting the team’s lack of engine regulations understanding after they cut ties with Honda Christian Horner added, “So I would say it is perhaps a result of us maybe being well advanced, that we’re actually seeing some of the limitations.”

Seeing Red Bull in such advanced stages, Aston Martin also made moves of their own. The English team, as we all know, will cut ties with Mercedes starting from the 2026 season as their engine supplier and has an agreement with Honda to join them.

Apart from that, to cater to F1’s zero-emission initiative, Aston Martin will see their $2.08 trillion partner Saudi Aramco take a bigger role in the team. Their American tech partner Cognizant will reduce their role from title sponsors, leaving room for Aramco to take a bigger role. This is another long-term stride Lawrence Stroll has made to fulfill his ultimate F1 dream.

Read More: After Signing $30,000,000 Ford Deal, Christian Horner Hypocritically Lauds Aston Martin’s Mercedes Snub

Despite all these steps in the right direction, it’s the partnership with Honda that will make the biggest impact. How do we know that? Well, if the reigning world champion regrets losing an engine supplier, you know there is something to it.

Max Verstappen, jealous of Fernando Alonso & Co. as he regrets losing Honda

Aston Martin shocked the world when they announced their partnership with Honda. It gave a lot of Aston Martin supporters a lot of hope as Honda has proved themselves time and again in the premier class. In fact, Honda’s stint with Red Bull has been hugely successful as well. However, the Japanese company, in an attempt to become environmentally friendly, informed Red Bull about their decision to leave F1 for good.

This put Red Bull on a path to create their own power trains department, which would reduce their reliability on a third party. However, halfway through, the Japanese company joined hands with Aston Martin. This unforeseen scenario came as a shock to the entire world of F1, especially Max Verstappen and Co. The Dutchman even expressed his dissatisfaction with this scenario during an interview.

“From our side, it’s a bit unfortunate how that all turned out,” Verstappen told the press. “A few years ago they said they were going to stop so then Red Bull set up its whole engine division and now they come back. It’s a shame really. We’ve always had and still have a good relationship so seeing them go to Aston Martin was a shame but at the same time we are very excited on our side from 2026 onwards with Ford.”

WATCH THIS STORY: How is Aston Martin Allying with Honda for its F1 Title Challenge from 2026?

We are all aware Ford isn’t coming on board with Red Bull as an engine supplier. So come 2026, we will see the Red Bull Powertrains take on Honda. Talk about an exciting matchup!