HONDA The Power of Dreams

The 2026 season will mark a major turning point for Formula 1 as a whole. For Honda, it will also be the start of a new challenge. Honda brought its Formula 1 activities to a close at the end of the 2021 season, and now, at a moment when F1 is being fundamentally reshaped by new regulations, returns to the sport to begin supplying power units to the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team (AMAF1).

The new-generation power unit introduced under these regulations is technically extremely demanding—and precisely for that reason, it represents a challenge well worth taking on. With a significantly higher proportion of electrification and the adoption of sustainable fuels, the new power unit aligns closely with the direction required by the times. Honda sees this as an ideal arena in which to further refine and strengthen its advanced technologies. At HRC, despite strict budget caps and numerous technical challenges, steady progress has been made toward winter testing and the opening round. Developing an all-new power unit with a new team, under new regulations, using new fuels, and within tight limits on testing and prototype numbers imposed by the cost cap, is an exceptionally difficult path. Every member of staff involved is fully committed, pooling their knowledge and efforts to take on this demanding challenge.

In this first season of the challenge, the most important priority is to build a true one-team structure between AMAF1 and HRC, and to continue evolving it throughout the season. Rather than a simple supplier–constructor relationship, the aim is to share challenges, development philosophies, and long-term direction at a fundamental level, growing together as a unified team pursuing the same goals. This is the central theme for 2026 and a major objective that has been fully aligned through discussions between team owner Lawrence Stroll and myself.

Development has progressed steadily over time, and a strong relationship with AMAF1 has been built. Even so, as the opening race draws near, it is only natural to feel that more time is needed. That said, through the collective efforts of everyone involved, a solid foundation has been established—both for the new power unit and for the partnership with AMAF1—to enable further growth going forward. In the coming season, closer communication throughout the development process, coupled with the building of deep mutual trust, will allow steady step-by-step progress, which is firmly believed to be the path to major success.

The new power unit was fired up late last year, and with on-track running now imminent, AMAF1 team members are working alongside HRC at Sakura, combining the power unit with a dummy chassis to conduct a wide range of durability tests and validation work. Beyond PU development, HRC has strengthened its communications structure and is preparing a variety of initiatives to energize Honda’s Formula 1 activities throughout the season. These efforts are being advanced in close coordination with HRC UK, creating a unified support structure across the organization. We expect favorable results from this collective approach.

The determination to fight for victories remains unchanged. However, the true level of competitiveness—and the relative strength compared with rivals—cannot be fully understood until the cars are actually running and racing. At this stage, the focus is on confirming whether the targeted performance levels can be consistently delivered, and there is a reasonable degree of confidence in that regard.

At the same time, this is a completely brand-new power unit, and potential issues cannot be fully identified until it is installed in the car and run on track. Extensive bench testing is currently being conducted to identify weaknesses and potential problems, but real-world running introduces different conditions, and new issues may emerge. These must be addressed one by one to improve reliability, complete the homologation process, and deliver a higher-level power unit by the opening race.

The same applies to the chassis, where on-track running is required to validate aerodynamics, suspension, and overall vehicle behavior, and to complete the package as a whole. With the new generation of F1 cars, it is more important than ever that the chassis and power unit function seamlessly as an integrated system. As such, pre-season testing will play a critical role—not just in evaluating individual components, but in confirming the overall performance of the car as a complete package.

With the first on-track running just ahead, there is a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, but we have full resolve to work with the team to break through any challenges that arise.

The 2026 season represents the first step in Honda’s new chapter in Formula 1. Together with AMAF1, HRC is committed to facing this new challenge with sincerity and unwavering dedication. Fans are warmly invited to watch over this new journey and to support the team as it gives its all on track. We sincerely appreciate the continued encouragement and support.