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Honda’s Strategic Return to Formula 1: Delaying FIA Homologation for Optimized V6 Turbo-Hybrid
Honda is set to postpone its FIA homologation process until just before the onset of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This decision reflects the company’s strategy to refine its V6 turbo-hybrid power unit right up until the deadline.
The upcoming powertrain regulations will introduce a more balanced distribution of power between the internal combustion engine and electric components. While the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines will remain in use, they will be tuned to produce approximately 550bhp, with the remaining power output expected to be supplied by the electric motor, culminating in a total projection of 1000bhp.
This initiative marks Honda’s comprehensive re-entry into Formula 1 following its exit from the championship at the close of 2021. Despite this withdrawal, Honda maintained support for the newly established Red Bull Powertrains, helping to uphold their effective power unit design.
Turning Points in Partnerships: Honda and Red Bull
After parting ways with Red Bull Racing, Honda has opted to align with Aston Martin from the 2026 season onward. The automaker made the decision to rejoin the competitive landscape late in the tender process for the 2026 powertrains, necessitating time to rebuild its engineering team, particularly as many former Honda engineers were absorbed into Red Bull’s full-time workforce.
Tetsushi Kakuda, head of the F1 project at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), indicated that substantial progress has been made in the development of the engine. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a dynamic pace in their test operations as they work towards finalizing the combustion engine specifications.
While specific timelines regarding integration with Aston Martin are yet to be solidified, Honda must determine the physical dimensions of their powertrain ahead of Aston Martin’s design schedule for 2026. Nevertheless, they will continue refining the internal components until the final homologation.
Insights from Tetsushi Kakuda
“We aim to submit our homologation in February of next year. Given that we started a bit late, we’re committed to maximizing our efforts until the very last moment,” Kakuda stated. He expressed difficulty in quantifying the exact percentage of progress made but affirmed they are at a significant stage.
“High-speed combustion management is influenced by various fuel-related factors. The environment in our industry is changing rapidly, leading to new challenges,” he added. Kakuda noted that for any gasoline engine, the perpetual objective remains to optimize fuel combustion rates. “We’re currently establishing conditions to achieve this goal,” he explained.
He also mentioned that there are critical milestones that require both parties to finalize key components for homologation. “We are coordinating closely with Aston Martin, discussing key decision points, and aligning our schedules accordingly,” Kakuda said.
Reestablishment of UK Operations
In a move to bolster its operations, HRC has reopened its UK base in Milton Keynes, reclaiming the facilities previously utilized during its partnership with Red Bull. Red Bull had assumed control of the site when it took over Honda’s power units, but has since developed its own infrastructure.
The powertrain development continues at HRC’s base in Sakura, Japan, alongside HRC US, which underwent a restructuring from Honda Performance Developments (HPD) at the end of 2023. The newly established HRC UK will primarily focus on the maintenance and operational management of the power units, with Koji Watanabe serving as both president of HRC and HRC UK.
As Honda prepares for its return to Formula 1, its strategic efforts highlight a commitment to innovation and performance in an evolving motorsport landscape.
Source
www.autosport.com