New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Honda has announced a mid-season leadership change in its Formula 1 power unit development programme with Aston Martin, as the Silverstone-based team continues to struggle for performance and reliability in the 2026 season.
Yoichiro Fukao, currently Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, will assume the role of Large Project Leader from October 1, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda, who has been heading the programme.
Honda described the move as a planned transition aimed at ensuring the smooth transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers.
The company said the restructuring comes after the introduction of new regulations in 2026, with further regulatory changes expected from 2027. Honda said the new structure would help establish a stronger development framework and enable it to deliver a more competitive power unit.
Honda supplies Aston Martin with its F1 power units, but the team has struggled to match even the midfield in terms of pace and reliability this season.
Aston Martin have scored just three points in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship, all through veteran former world champion Fernando Alonso. He finished 10th at the Monaco Grand Prix for one point before taking ninth place at the Dutch Grand Prix for two more points.
Lance Stroll is yet to score, with his best result being 13th at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Aston Martin are currently ahead of only debutants Cadillac in the Constructors’ standings, with Cadillac yet to register a point.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, Stroll retired with brake problems, while Alonso finished 17th, two laps behind the race winner.
Fukao has been associated with Honda since 2002, initially working on engine and gearbox control systems. He later spent three years involved in Honda’s MotoGP programme between 2009 and 2011 before working on hybrid systems.
He returned to F1 and became Deputy Leader of Honda’s F1 Project in 2017 and again in 2022 as the manufacturer prepared for its return to the sport.
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