Fanano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, revealed that this is an incredibly exciting time for F1 as Honda and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One join forces to compete for the highest prize in F1. Formula 1 races were first held in Japan in 1976 before moving to Suzuka Circuit in 1987, creating a long-standing connection between F1 and Japan. Japan has hosted 13 Drivers' World Championships. Currently, F1's popularity continues to grow in Japan, with over 17 million passionate fans. Last year's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit attracted 266,000 spectators over the weekend, and live broadcast viewership in Japan increased by 26% compared to the previous year. Honda's return to F1 this year will further strengthen the sport's potential in the Japanese market.

Internationally, the sport continues to grow with a global fanbase of over 827 million people. F1's key strategy is to reach and engage with audiences through media platforms that cater to people's lifestyles in unexpected ways, encompassing culture, entertainment, music, television, and film. This strong growth in motorsport benefits all stakeholders. Currently, F1 teams are thriving both financially and in terms of image, attracting numerous major corporate sponsors. This reflects F1's exceptional appeal and potential in the eyes of global brands. Significant regulatory reforms for the 2026 season were a key factor in Honda's decision to return to the sport. These new rules involve improvements to the fundamental chassis structure and power unit, representing the most significant changes in F1 history. A major highlight is the introduction of simpler hybrid engines that maximize the use of sustainable fuel while maintaining powerful and excellent driving performance.

F1 reflects Honda and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One's commitment to sustainability. And it is working according to plan to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2030. In 2024, it reduced carbon emissions by 26% compared to 2018. F1 is open to new innovations and continues to work closely with partners like Honda to push boundaries and raise the standards of motorsport.

Lawrence Stroll, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One, said: “It is a great honor to travel to Japan to celebrate this new partnership. Aston Martin Aramco Formula One and Honda share many similar ideals, which have been forged into a strong commitment towards the 2026 season and to build on our shared success sustainably in the future. The new Aston Martin Technology Centre in Silverstone, UK, has been completed, which will strengthen the organization to an unprecedented level. A new wind tunnel is a key innovation in race car development, along with a data center currently under construction to further enhance the team’s capabilities. We are committed to breaking all limits and working tirelessly.” With future success at its core,

the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team is entering into a full factory partnership with Honda. The chassis and power unit will be designed and integrated, a crucial strategy for their ambition to win the world championship. The team is also proud to partner with Aramco as a sustainable fuel supplier and Valvoline for the first time with lubricants. These strong partnerships are key to success. We thank Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline for sharing our vision and working together wholeheartedly. The close collaboration between the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team's operations in the UK and HRC Sakura in Japan has developed into a solid alliance with all the necessary components for victory. Furthermore, the team's drivers have confidence in Honda's power unit and engineering team. The appointment of Andy Cowell as Chief Strategy Officer further reflects this integrated approach. Cowell's world-class expertise will be a vital driving force for the team's continued progress.

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