Aheadܫ of the Monaco Grand Prix, Aston Martin announced they would be ditching Mercedes power units in favour of a move to become Honda’s official works team when new engine regulations be𒁃gin in 2026.

The switch will mark the end 🦩of a long-standing customer deal between Mercedes and the Silverstone-based outfit, who have used the German manufacturer’s power units throughout their various guises since 2009. 

But Mercedes team principal Wolff does not see the impending change as a 🦩reflection on his team’s current level of performance. 

Instead, Wolff says Aston Martin’s transition to achieve ‘works’ status underlines the team’s🌞 lofty ambitions to win world championships in the future. 

“I don’t think them switching from a Mercedes client situation to a Honda ♍has anything to do with the power unit,” Wolff✃ said.

“I think we are competitive in terms of power unit, b♑ut they always wanted to emancipate themselves and become a true works team, and that’s what they’re doing.

“They have their own exclusive power unit supply deal, they have their own fuel supplier, they are building a big factory that’s going online in the next few monthꦏs. 

“Lawrence [Stroll, Aston Martin owner]’s aim is never small. I think when you want to be competitive and win championships, that is the kind of step that you need t🔴o make.”