Honda Flags Combustion Engine Lag Ahead of 2026 Aston Martin F1 Return
Japanese manufacturer confident on electrification but admits its internal combustion engine development is not meeting targets for the new regulations.
Honda is facing development hurdles with its new Formula 1 power unit, specifically concerning the internal combustion engine, as it prepares for its 2026 return with Aston Martin.
While the manufacturer’s official F1 departure came in 2021, it has continued to supply power units to Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. That decision, however, led to the dismantling of its F1 department, forcing a complete rebuild to tackle the sport’s new regulations and leaving it playing catch-up to rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari.
Tetsushi Kakuda, Honda’s F1 project leader, provided a surprisingly candid assessment of their progress. “The electrification aspect is progressing as planned. However, that is not necessarily the case for the internal combustion engine,” Kakuda admitted, revealing that a key component of the new power unit is not yet meeting its objectives.
“Ultimately, a lot depends on the amount of development time available. With this in mind, we believe we have given our maximum.”
This challenge stems directly from Honda’s earlier decision to exit the sport. The subsequent engine development freeze allowed the Japanese brand to continue supplying its 2021-spec units without incurring development costs, but it also meant a delayed start on the complex 2026 machinery.
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), acknowledged the difficult road ahead. “Of course, if we are going to compete, we are committed to winning. However, the 2026 regulations are, from a technical point of view, extremely challenging, and perhaps we will have difficulties,” he said.
Watanabe also noted that Honda’s competitive standing remains an unknown. “At this stage, before any track testing, we do not know the difference with our rivals, so we will have to wait and see once that begins. In the long term, our objective is to fight for championships.”
The situation may be further complicated by the intense development race among manufacturers, highlighted by recent debate surrounding cylinder compression ratios involving Mercedes and Red Bull Ford.
The true measure of Honda’s progress will come during pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, ahead of a 24-race championship where initial performance may be less critical than the development pace throughout the season.
