P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda keep key part of F1 2026 engine secret as first images revealed
Honda has unveiled the first images of their new engine for Aston Martin’s F1 cars this year, with a key part kept secret at a launch event in Tokyo. The Japanese manufacturer is making a full-time return to F1 this season, exclusively supplying Aston Martin for the reset of championship rules after officially leaving F1 at the end of 2021. The new RA626H power unit was showcased with parts intentionally blurred out to conceal a crucial design element. Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe emphasized that they are on a “very short timeline” for reliability testing of the 2026 engine. Aston Martin’s chief strategy officer Andy Cowell mentioned ongoing development testing and the team’s focus on resolving issues to be fully prepared for the upcoming F1 season.
