Honda Changes F1 Power-Unit Leadership
Honda Racing Corporation has announced a leadership change within its Formula 1 power-unit programme, with Yoichiro Fukao set to take over as Large Project Leader from Tetsushi Kakuda on October 1.
Fukao currently serves as deputy leader of Honda's F1 project and heads its software division.
Honda describes the move as a planned transition designed to accelerate development while transferring technical expertise to its next generation of engineers.
Difficult Start With Aston Martin
The change comes during a challenging first season of Honda's new works partnership with Aston Martin F1 Team.
Performance and reliability have both caused problems during 2026. Honda introduced an updated Spec 2 power unit at Zandvoort, but admitted as recently as Monza that its engine was still lacking performance.
At Madring, Lance Stroll also required multiple new power-unit components and received a back-of-grid penalty after exceeding his season allocation.
Fukao Takes Charge of Honda's Next Step
Fukao brings extensive experience across Honda's F1 and MotoGP programmes, having worked on engine, gearbox and control-system development since joining Honda in 2002.
Honda says the early transition is intended to build a stronger development structure as it responds to the new 2026 regulations and further rule changes expected from 2027.
For Winbox Racing, the leadership switch comes at a crucial point.
Honda is back in Formula 1 — but now it needs performance to match its ambitions.
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