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Honda struggles to develop 2026 F1 engine

Honda struggles with 2026 F1 engine development: 'Everything is new'

29 January at 07:53
Last update 29 January at 08:13

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner has previously indicated that building its own power unit in partnership with Ford will be an immense challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Honda chief Koji Watanabe aso predicts troubles ahead, admitting that the Japanese engine manufacturer is also "struggling" to develop the new power unit.

Honda struggles with 2026 power unit development

Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), admits that developing the new F1 power unit for Aston Martin has not been easy. While the new regulations come into force in 2026, producing a competitive engine already seems to be a tough task.

Asked by PlanetF1.com how the development of Honda's new power unit for next year is progressing, Watanabe responded, "We are struggling. Now we are trying our best to show the result next year.”

"Everything is new," the Honda chief went on to explain what makes the development so difficult. "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 the big power. Everything is very difficult, but we try our best."

After years of successful collaboration, Honda and Red Bull's paths will separate after 2025. Honda will team up with Aston Martin, whereas Red Bull will build its own engine with support from new partner Ford. Christian Horner previously stated that his team will face its "biggest challenge" in F1 as the team face the new regulations and a new engine supplier at once.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder.

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