PADDOCK INSIDER: How Aston Martin and Honda are continuing to work ‘flat out’ for performance improvements

The Japanese Grand Prix is a big deal for Honda as it takes place at Suzuka, the venue that the automotive firm built as the country's first full-scale international racetrack.

But a return in 2026, a year after they tasted success with Red Bull and Max Verstappen, is laced with the knowledge it's going to be a tough one after a challenging start to their new chapter as Aston Martin's works engine supplier.

The Silverstone-based team have yet to finish a race in 2026, with reliability issues – principally a severe power unit vibration – blighting them, and therefore it's no surprise that stopping that trend is on the agenda for Aston Martin-Honda at Suzuka.