Honda appoints new leader for F1 engine program after disappointing start
Honda has swapped Tetsushi Kakuda for Yoichiro Fukao as head of its Formula 1 power-unit development following a weak debut season.
After a lackluster return to Formula 1, Honda announced that Yoichiro Fukao will replace Tetsushi Kakuda as Large Project Leader of its engine development programme. The move comes as Honda-powered Aston Martin cars sit tenth of eleven in the constructors' standings, with a best result of ninth for Fernando Alonso at the Dutch Grand Prix. Honda noted the change is intended to ensure a smooth transfer of technical knowledge before the 2026 regulation overhaul and anticipated 2027 updates.
An earlier upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix yielded only a modest performance gain, falling short of Aston Martin’s expectations and costing roughly a second per lap. The company’s current struggles trace back to its 2020 withdrawal, a limited engineering team during the 2021-25 frozen-development era, and the hiring of staff without prior F1 experience for the 2026 comeback.
Why it matters
The leadership shift aims to improve Honda's engine performance, crucial for Aston Martin's competitiveness in the upcoming F1 seasons.
How this story developed
- Sep 10 Madrid hosts its first Formula 1 Grand Prix, aiming to broaden the city's sports profile
- Sep 11 The steeply banked "La Monumental" turn has been unveiled as part of the inaugural circuit.
- Sep 12 Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari during final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, ignoring multiple team commands to halt the car.
- Sep 12 A second red flag was triggered by Oliver Bearman's spin at Turn 10.
- Sep 13 A Formula 2 car crashed into the wall at turn 19 during opening practice at the Madring circuit.
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