Newey claims that Honda's bond has strengthened following a 'disastrous' beginning.

      "What has truly advanced is specifically the relationship."

      Adrian Newey has joined Honda in stating that the previously strained relationship has greatly improved following a challenging start to 2026. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, and Aston ambassador Pedro de la Rosa recently indicated that cooperation between the two entities has strengthened as reliability and performance have also started to enhance. "I believe what has truly progressed is the relationship itself," Newey remarked. "After what can only be termed a disastrous beginning, the bright side—because it's important to seek out positives—is that it has nurtured a very close working relationship between Honda and Aston Martin." "We are continuing to develop this in all aspects." Newey is confident that the enhanced collaboration will eventually lead to improved results. "I’m very pleased with the progress we’re making in terms of our relationship." "Generally, as relationships improve, performance tends to improve as well." Aston Martin achieved a significant advancement with its heavily updated car in Hungary, while Honda’s enhanced engine is set to compete at Zandvoort. Additional chassis upgrades are planned for Monza and Baku. "The technical evolution regarding the car in Hungary and the upgrades that we will introduce at Zandvoort and Baku, yes, I consider them to be very significant steps," Newey noted. "It’s evident that we’re striving to make up for lost ground. Will that make us the fastest car? Unfortunately, no." "But does it signify a positive step forward from where we were? Yes, I believe so."