Honda might struggle in the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Japanese manufacturer’s leaders have conceded, as a new partnership begins with Aston Martin.
F1 is switching to new engine regulations, featuring a near-50:50 split between combustion and electric power, and involving greater energy management.
This is a sizeable challenge for all five powertrain manufacturers, which includes Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull-Ford.
With Mercedes and, to a lesser extent, Red Bull-Ford believed to have found a loophole in the new rules regarding the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine, Honda prefers to keep expectations in check ahead of the upcoming campaign.
“Of course, if we are going to compete, we are committed to winning,” said Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, as the brand revealed its new F1 power unit on Tuesday. “However, the 2026 regulations are technically extremely challenging, and perhaps we will struggle.
“At this stage, before any on-track testing, we don’t know the gap to our rivals, so we’ll have to wait and see once testing begins. In the long term, we aim to fight for championships.”
Andy Cowell, Lawrence Stroll, Stefano Domenicali, Toshihiro Mibe, Koji Watanabe
Photo by: Motorsport.com Japan
As it happens, Honda is worried about its internal combustion engine, admitting that its development is “not necessarily” going as expected.
“The electrification side is progressing as planned. However, that is not necessarily the case for the internal combustion engine,” Tetsushi Kakuda, Honda’s F1 project leader, told Autosport.
“Ultimately, a lot depends on the amount of development time available. Taking that into account, we believe we have done everything we can to the fullest extent.”
There also is uncertainty about the Aston Martin outfit, which – despite billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll’s mammoth investment – has never been a top team since its founding as Jordan Grand Prix in 1991.
The AMR26, however, will be the team’s first machinery to have fully benefitted from its new infrastructure in Silverstone – as well as new team principal Adrian Newey’s input.
Pre-season testing will get under way at Barcelona from 26-30 January.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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