The Japanese auto manufacturer Honda’s story in Formula 1 has mostly been successful. Their partnerships with McLaren and Red Bull brought them global recognition as a renowned engine manufacturer. However, the 2026 engine regulations are an uphill task for Honda as it struggles to build a competitive engine.
Formula 1 has introduced new engine regulations that balance internal combustion and electric power. The new era in Formula 1 starts with the 2026 season and we have many new engine manufacturers like Honda, Ford, and Audi alongside traditional makers like Mercedes and Ferrari. We will also see a new Formula 1 team, Cadillac F1, owned by America’s General Motors and Andretti Global. The competition will be tougher and wider, so the power units should be highly competitive to sustain themselves in the sport.
F1 expects the engine to be more technically advanced, efficient and competent. This is a tough process and many brands like Honda, Audi, and Ford are struggling to build engines with a minimum cost cap. After a successful partnership with Red Bull from 2019 to 2025, Honda moves to Aston Martin from the 2026 season.
'F1 2026 engine regulations are difficult' - Honda
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said, “We are struggling. Now we are trying our best to show the result next year. Everything is new. The motor is a new 355KW, a very compact one we need. Also, the lightweight battery, it’s not easy to develop. And also the small engine with the big power. Everything is very difficult, but we try our best.”
The biggest challenge is to build an engine that has the right balance between electric and IC power. They also want to be under the F1 cost cap, so it's difficult for them. Fernando Alonso will be the one who will struggle the most if something goes wrong with the partnership, as he already struggled with Honda engines at McLaren.
In 2026, Mercedes will be the biggest engine supplier, as they will have customer teams like McLaren, Alpine, Williams, and Mercedes. Ferrari will have a Haas F1, a Cadillac F1 and their own factory racing team. Red Bull will join hands with Ford to make their engines; Honda will supply engines to Aston Martin, while Audi will use their own.
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