In 2026, teams are facing a new set of regulations. Both the engine and chassis regulations are being overhauled, requiring teams to build an entirely new car. Honda, responsible for Aston Martin’s engine development, candidly admits that the manufacturer is ‘struggling’ with the construction of the power unit for 2026. “Everything is new, and very difficult,” says Honda Chairman Koji Watanabe.
Honda announced in May 2023 that it would return to Formula 1 in 2026, the year the new regulations come into effect. The Japanese engine manufacturer previously had a long-standing partnership with Red Bull, but has now teamed up with Aston Martin. Despite Honda’s extensive experience in the premier class, Honda Chairman Koji Watanabe openly admits that it is ‘struggling’ with the development of the 2026 engine.
“It’s not that easy. We’re having a hard time. Now we’re doing our best to show results next year,” Watanabe tells PlanetF1. The Japanese executive also explains why Honda is finding the process challenging. “Everything is new. The engine is a new, very compact 355 kW engine that we need. The lightweight battery is also not so easy to develop. And also the small engine with the large power. Everything is very difficult, but we’re doing our best.”
Red Bull
Honda is not the only engine manufacturer finding the 2026 regulations a challenge. Team boss Christian Horner previously admitted that the development of the new engine for Red Bull, in partnership with Ford, is the ‘biggest challenge’ ever for the racing team. “We’re taking on Ferrari and Mercedes, you know, as a subsidiary of Red Bull,” Horner told talkSPORT. “And that is by far our biggest challenge in the sport.”
