Honda’s Ambitious Move in Developing 2026 F1 Powertrain
Honda is set to revolutionize the 2026 Formula 1 season by pushing the boundaries of powertrain development until the eleventh hour. The Japanese automaker plans to delay its FIA homologation process until just before the season kicks off, aiming to perfect its V6 turbo-hybrid engine to the “very last moment.”
Next year’s powertrain formula will introduce a more balanced power distribution between the internal combustion engine and the electrical components. Although the 1.6-liter V6 turbo engines will remain, they will be toned down to produce roughly 550bhp, with the electric motor contributing the remaining 1000bhp.
This strategic move aligns with Honda’s full-factory return to F1 after exiting the championship in 2021. Despite its departure, Honda continued to support Red Bull Powertrains with its title-winning power unit design. However, the time came to part ways with Red Bull, leading Honda to forge a new partnership with Aston Martin starting in 2026.
The decision to team up with Aston Martin was not made lightly. Honda entered the 2026 powertrain tender process later than most competitors and needed time to regroup its resources after many former Honda engineers had transitioned to Red Bull full-time.
Tetsushi Kakuda, the head of the F1 project at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), expressed confidence in the progress of their engine project. He noted that the brand had made significant strides in engine development and was diligently conducting test bed operations to solidify their combustion engine.
When asked about the timeline for integrating the engine with Aston Martin, Kakuda mentioned that Honda aimed to submit homologation in February of the following year. He emphasized the importance of pushing forward until the final moments to ensure a competitive powertrain.
“We are aiming to submit the homologation in February next year – since we had a slightly late start, we want to push forward until the very last moment,” Kakuda said. “It’s difficult to say exactly what percentage of progress we have made, but I believe we have reached a considerable stage.”
The challenges in high-speed combustion and fuel-related factors have prompted Honda to adapt to the evolving landscape of F1. Kakuda highlighted the ongoing efforts to optimize fuel combustion efficiency and create an environment conducive to achieving peak performance.
As Honda navigates the intricate process of finalizing major components for homologation with Aston Martin, coordination and communication are paramount. Kakuda emphasized the importance of aligning schedules and making crucial decisions in tandem to meet the stringent deadlines in F1.
To support its powertrain development, Honda has reestablished a UK base in Milton Keynes, taking back control of the headquarters previously used during the partnership with Red Bull. The newly formed HRC UK will focus on power unit maintenance and operational tasks, under the leadership of Koji Watanabe, president and CEO of HRC.
In conclusion, Honda’s bold move to delay homologation and prioritize engine development underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in Formula 1. With a renewed focus on collaboration with Aston Martin and the resumption of operations in the UK, Honda is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming F1 season. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of motorsports.
