Just days away from the start of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, the Honda power unit powering Aston Martin appears to be the weakest on the grid. According to Honda President Koji Watanabe, this stems from the company’s withdrawal from the sport in 2021, followed shortly after by a return.
Engineering gaps left by the 2021 exit
After Honda ended its direct participation in 2021, most engineers and mechanics were reassigned to production vehicle development or advanced power unit research. As Watanabe explained: “The engineers were transferred to series car development or research on advanced energy power units. Effectively, the people disappeared from the project.”
Only a small team remained to support supply to Red Bull Powertrains, with no active engine development. This created a real continuity gap. Watanabe stated: “Only some engineers and mechanics remained for Red Bull supply, so there was a void.”
The rushed return
The decision to return was officially made in November 2022, with HRC registered as an F1 power unit manufacturer, followed by Honda board approval in April 2023. However, recalling personnel took time due to the strict cost cap restrictions introduced in 2023.
Watanabe admitted: “The engineers are working hard, but there was a delay in their return to the project.” Takeishi Ikuo, HRC Executive Director, confirmed: “There was a time lag in bringing engineers back to the F1 project, and the cost cap restrictions had an impact.” This created a “time lag” in reorganizing the team, slowing development of the RA626H engine.
Structural reorganization at HRC to ensure continuity
To prevent similar disruptions in the future, Honda moved the entire F1 project under HRC, turning it into a dedicated motorsport structure integrating both two- and four-wheel activities. Previously, Formula 1 had been managed as a temporary project within Honda R&D Center, with budget and staff reduced to zero upon withdrawal and knowledge dispersed.
Watanabe emphasized: “Now F1 will be managed within Honda Racing Corporation, a company specialized in racing. Even if participation stops, people and budget don’t go to zero.” This ensures “continuity and sustainability,” preserving experience, investment, and human resources regardless of future participation decisions.
Current RA626H power unit challenges
The RA626H engine, fitted to the Aston Martin AMR26, has yet to show its full potential due to abnormal vibrations discovered during pre-season testing. Takeishi explained: “Abnormal vibrations occurred, which damaged the battery system.” This has limited running mileage and requires urgent action on the power unit side to address the root cause. Watanabe indicated that once the vibration issue is resolved, the PU should deliver its true performance.
Honda is aiming for a stable and competitive partnership with Aston Martin, leveraging the new HRC structure to maintain a long-term presence in the championship. The ultimate goal remains winning titles, building on accumulated experience—particularly with Red Bull—and technologies aligned with the 2026 rules emphasizing electrification and sustainable fuels.
Watanabe expressed confidence in the long-term potential: the team has the capability to compete not only in 2026 but also in the years ahead, with preparations proceeding according to plan despite initial difficulties.
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