The road to Formula 1’s 2026 regulations is proving to be a rough ride for engine manufacturers, and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is no exception. The Japanese powerhouse, which will transition from Red Bull to Aston Martin as an exclusive works partner in 2026, has admitted that its power unit development is facing significant hurdles.
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has been frank about the difficulties, describing the process as “not so easy” and acknowledging that Honda is struggling with several of the new regulatory changes.
“We are struggling. Everything is new… The motor is a new 355-kW, very compact one we need. Also, the lightweight battery—it’s not so easy to develop. And also the small engine with big power. Everything is very difficult, but we try our best.” – Koji Watanabe, President of HRC
This revelation is likely concerning for Aston Martin, which has banked on Honda’s proven F1 pedigree to take the team to title contention in the post-Red Bull era.
Why is Honda Struggling with 2026’s F1 Engine Rules?
The 2026 power unit regulations introduce major shifts in engine architecture, with three fundamental changes:
- Removal of the MGU-H – The hybrid component that recovered energy from exhaust gases is being eliminated.
- Increased electrical reliance – A 355-kW hybrid motor (approx. 476 HP) will now account for 50% of total power output.
- Fully sustainable fuels – Formula 1’s push for carbon neutrality requires new sustainable fuel technology.
Honda’s challenges stem largely from the new balance between internal combustion and hybrid power. The company excelled with the highly sophisticated MGU-H system, but now must adapt to the new hybrid-driven paradigm.
🛑 Key Issues Facing Honda’s F1 Engine Development:
✅ Compact, high-output electric motor development – F1’s push for increased electrification is proving to be a major engineering challenge.
✅ Lightweight battery tech – A crucial factor in energy deployment and race performance.
✅ Downsized turbo engine with greater power demands – Without the MGU-H, Honda’s 1.6L turbo V6 must be optimized differently.
Given Honda’s turbulent history in F1, from McLaren-Honda’s disastrous hybrid era (2015-2017) to their Red Bull success (2019-2024), it’s evident that mastering hybrid technology takes time.
How Does This Impact Aston Martin?
For Aston Martin, this isn’t exactly the news they want to hear. The Silverstone-based squad has aggressive ambitions to become a championship-caliber team, investing heavily in:
- A state-of-the-art new factory
- An F1-first wind tunnel (2025 launch)
- Recruiting top-tier engineering talent
- Securing Adrian Newey for 2026
But without a competitive power unit, all of this could be undone. Aston Martin ditched Mercedes engines in favor of a works partnership with Honda, seeking full technical control over their engine-chassis integration. However, if Honda’s 2026 power unit isn’t competitive from day one, Aston Martin risks falling behind before the new regulations even begin.
🔍 Potential Problems for Aston Martin-Honda:
- Honda’s current struggles could delay engine readiness for 2026.
- Development setbacks might lead to reliability issues in early seasons.
- Mercedes could retain an engine advantage, leaving Aston Martin at a disadvantage.
🚀 Why There’s Still Hope for Aston Martin-Honda
🔹 Honda is notorious for slow starts but big recoveries – Remember, their 2015-2017 disaster with McLaren turned into Red Bull title dominance by 2021.
🔹 Aston Martin has two years to prepare – They can tailor the 2026 chassis around Honda’s power unit, an advantage they never had with Mercedes.
🔹 F1’s new regulations could level the playing field – Every manufacturer is facing unknowns, and Honda is still one of the best engine builders in motorsport history.
Who Else is Struggling?
Honda isn’t the only manufacturer facing massive uncertainty with the 2026 regulations:
🛠️ 🔴 Audi (New F1 Engine Manufacturer)
- Entering F1 in 2026 as Sauber’s works partner.
- First-time F1 power unit project – facing inevitable growing pains.
- Early rumors suggest Audi is behind schedule.
🛠️ 🔵 Red Bull Ford Powertrains
- Red Bull is building its first-ever in-house F1 engine, partnered with Ford.
- Christian Horner calls it “our biggest challenge ever”.
- Potential weak spot in Red Bull’s 2026 package?
🛠️ ⚫ Mercedes
- Expected to produce one of the strongest 2026 power units.
- But even Toto Wolff has admitted uncertainty: “It’s not trivial, we don’t know where we are.”
Final Verdict: Should Aston Martin Be Worried?
🚨 Yes, but it’s not panic mode… yet.
Honda’s struggles are not unique—every manufacturer is facing massive unknowns ahead of the biggest power unit overhaul since 2014.
However, Aston Martin’s long-term championship aspirations depend on Honda getting this right. The team’s entire technical identity is now tied to Honda, meaning there’s no fallback option if the project underdelivers.
📌 What to Watch in 2025:
- Honda’s progress reports – Will they resolve battery & hybrid issues?
- Early testing leaks – Who looks strongest in development?
- Aston Martin’s chassis adaptations – Are they designing around Honda’s strengths?
If Honda can replicate their Red Bull success, Aston Martin could be a title threat by 2027-2028. If not? They risk repeating McLaren’s nightmare hybrid era.
The countdown to F1’s 2026 revolution has begun. Buckle up. 🔥
