Much like Mercedes were said to have had a head start ahead of the 2014 rule changes, there’s another team that has apparently been handed an advantage going into the upcoming regulations.
The new set of rules, which come into play in 2026, bring the first major engine change since Formula One moved to hybrids in 2014.
Mercedes quickly established themselves as the standard-bearer that year, with their engine setting the benchmark across the field.
The Silver Arrows went on to dominate, winning eight straight Constructors’ titles while others spent years trying to close the gap.
Over the past year, there’s been plenty of debate over who might follow in Mercedes’ footsteps this time around. And a recent report has pointed out one team who appear to be well-placed to do just that.
Aramco’s role in Aston Martin’s early progress under new F1 rules
Grada3 has reported that Aramco supplied data from the FIA’s initial testing of the synthetic fuel that will be used across the sport when those rules come into effect.
Aramco, who also supplies fuel to Formula 2 and Formula 3, began providing Aston Martin with their product in 2023.
The company transitioned to synthetic fuels for the 2025 season, and they are now looking to apply their experience to help Aston Martin—who will be running Honda engines—make an impact in Formula 1. The team is hoping to benefit from Aramco’s background as it prepares for a new chapter with Honda power units.
Reports have already suggested that Aramco holds an edge in fuel technology on the grid, while Ferrari’s supplier, Shell, is believed to be dealing with some challenges.
It is expected that Aramco will deliver a blend capable of giving Honda a noticeable horsepower gain over its competitors. One area where this could make a difference is by offsetting advantages Mercedes and Red Bull have reportedly found through adjustments to their compression ratios—a topic Ferrari has already raised with the FIA.
Honda has proven its capability during its time with Max Verstappen and Red Bull, so there are expectations they can address any deficits posed by these technical changes. The report wraps up by suggesting that Aramco’s fuel could become a crucial factor for both Aston Martin and Honda as they aim for success. It could also play into Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of another world title—his first since 2006.
Early signs point to Aston Martin as a 2026 title contender
Everything coming out of the pre-2026 development race is suggesting one thing: Aston Martin look ready to contend.
With Adrian Newey now overseeing most of the technical direction, expectations around Aston Martin have risen sharply since his move from Red Bull was confirmed in September 2024.
Alonso has been vocal about how impressed he is with Newey’s work ethic since joining up at Silverstone. Now at 44, Alonso will be hoping the car gives him one last real shot at a title before stepping away from the sport for good.
The team’s most recent podium came courtesy of Alonso back in 2023. They started that season strong, with six top-three finishes in the first eight races.
The pace faded as the year went on, but it was still a promising sign that Aston Martin could close the gap to F1’s established front-runners.
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