In the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, Honda is anticipated to lead the charge in terms of powertrain performance, thanks to the new engine regulations that are set to shake up the sport. The next regulation cycle, which will introduce revolutionary engine rules, is the first major reshuffle in the game since 2014’s hybrid regulations. With this change, the power unit will become a significant differentiator in team performances, marking the end of a four-year engine freeze that standardized design across manufacturers.
In the years leading up to this pivotal moment, Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Renault have all achieved similar power unit performance levels. Honda, though having technically exited Formula 1 as a factory supplier after the 2021 season, continues to supply power units to the two Red Bull teams. The onset of the engine freeze was a deciding factor for Honda to maintain this supply deal with Red Bull Racing and the then-AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) team.
The 2026 season will see Honda return as a full-fledged supplier, following an agreement with Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin team. Concurrently, Red Bull is forging a partnership with Ford to create Red Bull Powertrains for its two teams. The season will also see Mercedes, Ferrari, and Audi as power unit manufacturers.
The stakes are high as to which manufacturer will master the new power unit regulations on their first attempt, as this will significantly influence the competitive pecking order. Otmar Szafnauer, a former Honda motorsport veteran who served as team boss for both Alpine and Aston Martin, is confident of Honda’s capabilities.
According to Szafnauer, Honda’s quick adaptability, as evidenced by their rapid development from 2000 to 2004, coupled with their commitment to Formula 1, positions them well for future success. He also pointed out Honda’s impressive track record with Red Bull, which includes winning the Drivers Championship in 2024.
Despite initial difficulties adjusting to the current engine regulations when they partnered with McLaren in 2015, Honda managed to turn things around and clinch a championship with Max Verstappen in 2021. Drawing from this experience, Szafnauer predicts that Honda will quickly rise to the top, even if they don’t immediately have the best powertrain in 2026.
Recently, Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe admitted that developing the F1 2026 power unit has been a challenging process. However, Szafnauer believes that Honda’s struggles will not persist, citing their history of overcoming challenges.
While the question of which manufacturer will dominate the 2026 season remains open, Szafnauer suggests Mercedes as a likely contender to hit the ground running. He recalls a similar situation in 2014 when Force India, where he held the position of COO, made the decision to stick with Mercedes power for the new hybrid regulations. This gamble paid off as Force India led the midfield with points scored in all but two rounds of the championship.
In conclusion, while the 2026 season will undoubtedly bring with it a wave of challenges and uncertainties, Honda is viewed as a strong contender in the powertrain domain. Their history of resilience and adaptability, coupled with their resources and infrastructure, positions them in good stead for the upcoming season.
