Honda downplays 2026 engine woes despite struggles
Honda Racing Corporation admits to development challenges for F1's 2026 power unit regulations, though Red Bull's Christian Horner maintains confidence in their capabilities despite concerns over their initial withdrawal and restart of the project.
Contrasting perspectives emerge on Honda's Formula 1 2026 power unit development as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner maintains confidence in his team's future former partner, despite recent concerns voiced by Honda Racing Corporation's leadership.
Development challenges surface
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has revealed significant challenges in developing their power unit for F1's revolutionary 2026 regulations.
During discussions at the Daytona 24-hour race, Watanabe acknowledged the complex nature of their development program, particularly highlighting the demands of creating a compact yet powerful hybrid system.
Technical hurdles
The 2026 regulations represent one of Formula 1's most significant technical shifts, demanding power units that achieve 50 percent electrification alongside fully sustainable fuels and active aerodynamics.
"Everything is new. The motor is a new 355-kW, very compact one we need. Also the lightweight battery, it's not so easy to develop. And also the small engine with the big power,"
Watanabe explained, emphasizing the multiple technical challenges facing Honda's engineers.
Horner's perspective
Despite these apparent difficulties, Christian Horner remains optimistic about Honda's capabilities.
The Red Bull team principal, while acknowledging potential setbacks from Honda's initial F1 withdrawal and subsequent return, expressed confidence in their technical prowess.
"They disbanded their project and then restarted it again. They may well have lost a little bit of time through that,"
Horner noted, before adding,
"But they're a very capable company and they've got great strength. I am sure they'll have a competitive power unit come 2026."
Future implications
The situation highlights the enormous challenge facing all manufacturers as Formula 1 transitions to its new technical era.
Red Bull themselves are embarking on their own power unit journey with Ford, a project Horner has described as "the biggest challenge" in the team's Formula 1 history.
"The mountain that we have to climb is immense,"
Horner admitted, reflecting on the task of competing against established manufacturers with decades of experience.
Comments ()