Honda gives an insight into the current development of the 2026 engine: Although the status is “considerable”, the company still wants to take its time with the homologation
Honda will not complete the FIA homologation process until just before the 2026 Formula 1 season, as the manufacturer wants to continue developing its new V6 turbo hybrid until the “very last moment”.
The Japanese will return to Formula 1 with a factory team next year, teaming up with Aston Martin, while they are currently still supporting Red Bull and the Racing Bulls in using their technology.
Honda only committed to the new engine project relatively late and therefore needs as much time as possible for development. In addition, the company had to reorganize its workforce after many former Honda engineers were hired by Red Bull Powertrains.
Tetsushi Kakuda, the overall responsible for the Formula One project at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), says that the engine project is already at a “considerable stage”. The test bench operations are running at full speed to further optimize the combustion engine.
Homologation in February
Although he did not want to give any precise timetables for the integration of the engine at Aston Martin, Honda needs to define the physical dimensions of the powertrain in advance so that they fit into the British team’s 2026 design program. Nevertheless, Honda can continue to develop internal components until homologation occurs.
“We plan to submit the homologation in February next year. Since our launch was delayed a little, we want to step on the gas until the very last moment,” says Kakuda. ‘It’s difficult to say exactly what progress we’ve made in percentage terms, but I think we’ve reached a considerable stage.’
“When it comes to high-speed combustion, fuel-related factors also play a role. The framework conditions are changing drastically and things no longer work as they used to,” he says. “But with a gasoline engine, the eternal goal is to burn the fuel as quickly as possible. We are currently creating an environment to achieve something similar.”
Kakuda continues: “There are critical times when both parties have to finalize important components for homologation. We coordinate with Aston Martin, discuss when everyone wants to make their final decisions, and set the schedule accordingly.”
Honda starts work at European factory
The new engine formula for the coming year provides for a more balanced distribution of power between the combustion engine and the electric components. While the 1.6-liter V6 turbo engines will remain, their power will be reduced so that they will only produce around 550 hp. The rest of the targeted 1,000 hp will be contributed by the electric motor.
Honda will develop the new power unit from its Japanese base in Sakura, with support from HRC US in California. It was also announced yesterday that work has restarted at the Milton Keynes factory after Honda reacquired the facility from Red Bull.
With 20,000 PU parameters and changes to the PU’s energy management made in real time during grands prix, F1 is the world’s most advanced digital battle. To help support this complexity, HRC UK has been established in Milton Keynes, England, to be an important base for Honda F1… pic.twitter.com/Am9W8YNrfy
— Honda Racing Global (@HondaRacingGLB) March 4, 2025
The engines are to be maintained and used there over the course of the season. “With a third of the 24-race calendar taking place in Europe, we have found that a base in Europe is the optimal choice,” says HRC President Koji Watanabe.
“This facility was handed over to Red Bull in 2022 and used as a base for Red Bull Powertrains. But from this season onwards, we have taken it back for our own purposes. The recruitment of engineers, mechanics, public relations staff, accountants and human resources professionals has already been completed, and the first group has started work at this facility.”
