Honda has made a significant change at the helm of its Formula 1 engine development programme. Tetsushi Kakuda, who has led the development of Honda's 2026 power unit, will be replaced by his current assistant, Yoichiro Fukao, starting next month. The move is described as a "planned transition" by Honda, signalling a new chapter in their preparations for the 2026 regulations.
Kakuda and Fukao are no strangers to the motorsport world. Both have been part of Honda's racing set-up for over two decades, holding various roles across its F1 and MotoGP programmes. That wealth of experience is expected to provide a solid foundation for the technical framework. "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 said in a statement.
However, this transition comes amid a challenging debut season for Honda and Aston Martin. The partnership has struggled, scoring just three points and sitting ahead of only newcomers Cadillac in the constructors' standings. Major upgrades to both chassis and engine around the summer break offered some encouragement but have not been truly transformative. Driveability remains a particular concern.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reportedly met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll to discuss a potential action plan to help Honda, including possible development concessions. The situation highlights the seriousness of the challenge facing Honda and Aston Martin on track.
At the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, Lance Stroll retired early, while Fernando Alonso struggled to a 17th-place finish, two laps down. Alonso voiced his frustration: "the engine was very bad today, the boost control was difficult," though his pace was also affected by early damage. Aston Martin's chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, acknowledged that engine gains would be slower than chassis progress. "We are in this together, we came a long way since the start of this collaboration and the progress has been steady," he said. "We have solved a couple of issues and will work from there step by step."
This leadership change can be seen as Honda's effort to accelerate development. With the 2026 regulations looming, Honda cannot afford to fall behind. Fukao, who has long been Kakuda's right-hand man, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strengthen technical coordination. Meanwhile, Aston Martin must quickly find solutions to the driveability issues that continue to plague them.
For fans, the behind-the-scenes dynamics are as intriguing as the on-track battles. Honda and Aston Martin have the resources and ambition, but time is ticking. The 2026 season will be the ultimate test. Will this transition bring a breath of fresh air? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the pressure to perform is mounting.
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Honda announces leadership restructure for F1 PU programme, Yoichiro Fukao replaces Tetsushi Kakuda from October 1, 2026, to accelerate development.
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