Honda replaces its F1 engine development chief

Honda is replacing the leader of its Formula 1 engine development programme.

In what it called a "planned transition", Tetsushi Kakuda - who has led the development of Honda's 2026 F1 power unit so far - will be replaced by his current assistant leader Yoichiro Fukao from the start of next month.

Like Kakuda, Fukao has been part of the Honda motorsport set-up for over two decades, holding a variety of roles across its F1 and MotoGP programmes.

"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," said Honda's statement announcing the change.

Honda and Aston Martin's poor form in their first season together has been one of the biggest storylines of F1 2026.

The partnership is ahead of only newcomer Cadillac in the constructors' standings having scored just three points all season.

Major upgrades to both the chassis and engine either side of the summer break provided some encouragement but have not been truly transformative. Driveability remains a particular concern.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll to discuss a potential action plan to help Honda, including possible development concessions.

Lance Stroll retired early in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix while Fernando Alonso struggled to a twice-lapped 17th place, after which he said "the engine was very bad today, the boost control was difficult" - though his pace was also affected by early damage.

Asked in Madrid for his thoughts on the progress with Honda's upgraded engine over the three events since its debut, Aston Martin's chief trackside officer Mike Krack said he accepted that engine gains would be slower than chassis progress.

"We are in this together, we came a long way I think since the start of this collaboration and the progress has been steady," he replied.

"Now the progress for anyone is never quick enough. But we also need to understand that on the chassis side you can make progress quicker than on the power unit side, so that is something we are discussing, we are aware of and, I think, Honda is the first one who would like to be better and everyone else as well.

"We have solved a couple of issues that have been problems before and we will work from there and make progress step by step."