P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has admitted development of the Japanese marque’s 2026 Formula 1 power unit is proving “very difficult”.
Honda currently powers both Red Bull-owned Formula 1 teams, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri, with great success since their partnership began in 2018, achieving 68 race wins, four Drivers’ titles, and two Constructors’ titles. This marks a significant improvement from Honda’s earlier years in the hybrid era with McLaren, plagued by unreliability and underperformance from 2015 to 2017. Looking ahead to the 2026 F1 season, Honda will continue in a new form alongside Aston Martin as a works engine partner, following changes in power unit regulations that will prioritize sustainability and electrification. Despite facing challenges in developing the new hybrid powertrains, Honda’s Chief Engineer, Watanabe, remains determined to deliver results and overcome the obstacles with the new 355-kW motor and lightweight battery. As other teams like Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains embark on their F1 power unit ventures, uncertainties and difficulties persist throughout the field, with even Mercedes expressing cautious optimism about their 2026 power unit prospects.
