Honda Blurs RA626H Reveal as MGU-H Appears Absent

Honda and Aston Martin jointly unveiled the RA626H in a livestream and a Tokyo event. Honda presented it as its first power unit purpose-built for the 2026 technical regulations, highlighting a near 50/50 split between internal-combustion and electric power, a substantially larger battery pack and expanded control electronics.

Honda deliberately limited visual disclosure — publishing photos from a single angle and blurring the lower side of the assembly — leaving integration details such as MGU‑K (kinetic) mounting, packaging, routing and cooling choices hidden. Reporting suggests the design appears to abandon the MGU‑H (heat-recovery), though Honda did not explicitly confirm that.

The launch formalised a works partnership that has been in development since early 2023 and follows Honda’s winding down of its Red Bull supply relationship. Sources differ on the exact timing; this summary follows reporting that the supply relationship wound down in 2025. Aston Martin is confirmed as Honda’s sole customer for 2026 and will effectively operate as a works team, with Honda collaborating on the programme with Aramco and Valvoline.

Aston Martin boosted its technical leadership by appointing Adrian Newey to direct the technical programme; executive chairman Lawrence Stroll acknowledged the challenges the team faces preparing for the new hybrid era.

Both partners framed the RA626H as the competitive foundation for 2026 and used the livestream to outline ambitions and a clear on-track timetable. Aston Martin will carry out a five-day, behind-closed-doors test of the AMR26 at Circuit de Catalunya beginning January 26, hold an official car unveiling on February 9, run shakedowns in Bahrain on February 11–13 and 18–20, and start the season at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.