Honda has made a leadership change at the top of its Formula 1 engine programme. Tetsushi Kakuda, the man who has led power unit development, will be replaced by his current assistant Yoichiro Fukao effective 1 October 2026. The move comes as Honda and Aston Martin fight to climb back into contention under the new regulations.
The announcement was made by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) on Monday. In a statement, HRC described the change as a "planned transition" aimed at accelerating power unit development and ensuring a smooth handover to the next generation of engineers. Fukao, who previously served as assistant LPL (Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, Head of the Software Division), will step up to the role of Large Project Leader (LPL).
Honda has endured a horrid start to the 2026 season, struggling for both performance and reliability. That form earned them additional development help from the FIA, but it clearly wasn't enough. Over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem held talks with Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso to discuss what else could be done to help the struggling manufacturer.
One suggestion is to further revisit the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system designed to help a manufacturer falling behind. Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains are reportedly open to more tweaks. By making the leadership change now, Honda hopes to capitalise on the development of an overhauled power unit for 2027.
"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.
This is a bold move by Honda. They are not just chasing on-track performance but also laying the groundwork for the long term. Kakuda steered Honda through several phases, including the debut with Aston Martin. Now, the baton passes to Fukao, whose background in software could prove vital in tackling the complexities of modern F1 power units.
For Aston Martin, this change brings a breath of fresh air. The Silverstone-based team is fighting to return to the front of the grid. With Honda's new structure, they hope to finally get a power unit that is both fast and reliable. The 2027 season will be a crucial moment for both parties.
Meanwhile, fans might wonder if this shake-up will have an immediate impact. History suggests that technical leadership changes often take time to bear fruit. But with regulatory pressure and fierce competition, Honda has no time to waste. They must ensure this transition runs smoothly and delivers the desired performance.
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Honda appoints Yoichiro Fukao as Large Project Manager for F1 power unit, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda from October 1. Strategic move ahead of 2027 regulations.
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