Honda changes F1 project leader after disastrous 2026 start

Honda is shaking up the leadership of its Formula 1 power unit programme as the Japanese manufacturer attempts to arrest a deeply disappointing start to the new regulations with Aston Martin.

The manufacturer confirmed on Monday that Tetsushi Kakuda, who has overseen development of Honda’s 2026 power unit, will step aside on October 1, with his current deputy Yoichiro Fukao taking over as Large Project Leader.

While Honda insists the change is part of a planned succession rather than a reaction to its troubled campaign, the timing is hard to ignore.

The Japanese marque has struggled badly since Formula 1’s new engine regulations arrived this season, leaving Aston Martin languishing well short of the performance expected from its works partnership.

Honda turns to Fukao to accelerate recovery

Honda Racing Corporation framed the reshuffle as a move designed to inject fresh momentum into its power unit programme while also preparing the organisation for the next generation of engineers.

"Honda Racing Corporation will implement a change in the leadership of its F1 Power Unit (PU) development programme, effective October 1st, 2026, with the aim of further accelerating PU development and ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation of engineers," Honda said in a statement.

Fukao currently serves as Assistant LPL, deputy leader of the F1 project and head of Honda's software division. He will now inherit responsibility for a power unit that has struggled on both the performance and reliability fronts during its first season under the radically revised regulations.

"Yoichiro Fukao, currently serving as Assistant LPL (Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, Head of the Software Division), will assume the role of LPL (Large Project Leader), succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda, who has led the PU development to date.

"This organisational change is a planned transition designed to ensure the reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers."

• Read also: Alonso keeps ‘100%’ faith in Honda despite struggles

The difficulties have already been serious enough for Honda to qualify for additional development assistance under Formula 1's system intended to help manufacturers that fall significantly behind their rivals.

Honda received further concessions in May, but the intervention has done little to transform Aston Martin's fortunes. The team's struggles have also prompted renewed discussions involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso about whether Honda needs even more help.

Eyes already turning towards 2027

Honda's latest move appears to be as much about the future as repairing the present. With the next phase of regulation changes already looming, the manufacturer wants its revised technical structure in place early enough to make a meaningful impact on its next power unit.

"Following the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, and with further regulatory changes expected from 2027 onwards, Honda aims to establish a robust development framework and deliver a highly competitive PU by transitioning to the new structure at an early stage," Honda added.

That puts Fukao in charge at a critical juncture. Honda's immediate challenge is to make its existing package competitive enough to prevent Aston Martin from enduring another lost season, while simultaneously building the foundations for a much stronger 2027 effort.

The pressure is unlikely to ease, either. Suggestions have emerged that the existing ADUO system could be revisited again to provide further assistance to manufacturers struggling to match their rivals. Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains have reportedly shown an openness to additional adjustments.

For Honda, however, the management change suggests that simply waiting for the regulatory framework to provide another lifeline is not the preferred solution.

The manufacturer is now changing the person steering its recovery — with Fukao tasked with turning a troubled 2026 project into a power unit capable of delivering on Aston Martin's long-term ambitions.

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