Honda Racing has shared the first official audio of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit, marking a key milestone in the manufacturer’s ongoing preparations for the new regulations and its technical partnership with Aston Martin

Posted across Honda Racing’s social media channels, the short clip features a blank screen accompanied solely by the sound of the engine running up and down through the gears. The minimalist presentation puts the focus firmly on the noise itself, offering fans a rare and genuine preview of the next generation of Formula 1 cars.

The reveal comes under the banner “The Sound of 2026” and represents the first publicly released example of how the new regulations could reshape the sport’s acoustic identity. While the familiar 1.6-litre V6 internal combustion engine remains part of the formula, the technical balance has changed significantly. From 2026, the electrical component of the power unit will deliver around three times more power than before, fundamentally altering how energy is deployed on track.

Despite concerns in recent years that increasing hybridisation might further mute Formula 1 cars, Honda’s clip suggests the sport will retain a sharp and aggressive engine note, even as efficiency and sustainability take a bigger role.