Honda has announced a leadership change within its Formula 1® power unit development programme, aiming to enhance progress ahead of the 2027 regulatory changes. The transition involves replacing the current head of the power unit project with his assistant, marking a strategic move to accelerate development and ensure knowledge transfer to the next generation of engineers.
Effective from October 1, 2026, Tetsushi Kakuda will step down as the leader of Honda’s Formula 1® power unit programme, with Yoichiro Fukao, his current assistant, taking over the role. Honda Racing Corporation described this as a planned transition designed to boost the pace of development and support a smooth handover of technical expertise within the organisation.
The change comes amid a challenging start to the 2026 season for Honda, which has faced both performance and reliability issues with its power unit. In response, the manufacturer was granted additional development allowances beyond the original ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunity) system in May 2026. Discussions during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend also involved FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Aston Martin’s Lawrence Stroll, and driver Fernando Alonso, focusing on potential further support for Honda’s engine programme.
Honda’s engine partnership with Aston Martin Racing places the manufacturer in a critical position as the sport prepares for significant regulation changes in 2027. The leadership update is part of a broader effort to establish a more robust development framework that can deliver a competitive power unit under the new rules. While the exact scope of additional development help remains uncertain, there is consideration of revisiting the ADUO upgrade system, with Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains reportedly open to potential adjustments to assist Honda.
Fernando Alonso’s involvement in discussions highlights the importance of Honda’s power unit performance to Aston Martin’s competitiveness. The team and its driver have experienced challenges related to the engine package, and the leadership change signals Honda’s commitment to addressing these issues over the longer term rather than as an immediate fix.
This planned leadership transition reflects Honda’s strategic approach to managing technical development and personnel succession in a highly competitive environment. It aims to maintain continuity while injecting fresh momentum into the power unit programme as the sport moves toward the 2027 technical regulations.
Honda’s efforts underline the complexities manufacturers face in adapting to evolving Formula 1® regulations and the importance of organisational stability in delivering performance improvements. The coming months will be crucial for Honda and Aston Martin as they work to strengthen their position ahead of the next phase of the championship.