Honda: Creating an entirely new engine for 2026 is 'challenging'

      Honda is "struggling" behind the scenes to create its completely new power unit for the groundbreaking 2026 regulations. This somewhat concerning admission comes from Koji Watanabe, the head of Honda Racing Corporation, just days after Adrian Newey indicated that a single manufacturer might dominate following the changes in engine and chassis rules. Red Bull, which is set to develop its own engines in partnership with Ford, will be losing its Honda works power to Aston Martin at the end of this year. Newey will begin working with the Silverstone-based team in March.

      In response to a question at the Daytona 24-hour race regarding the progress of Honda's 2026 power unit, Watanabe stated, "We are fighting. We are currently doing our utmost to achieve results next year. Everything is new."

      For 2026, in addition to extensive chassis regulation changes, Formula 1 is mandating a significant increase in power generated by the electrical component of the drivetrain. "The 355 kW (electric) engine is new - very compact," Watanabe added. "The lightweight battery is also challenging to develop. The engine is small but delivers a lot of power. Everything is quite difficult, but we are doing our best."