Honda believes that they will be able to return to a high level.

      Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the racing division of the Japanese corporation, spoke in an interview with The Race about how events unfolded in 2026 when the Aston Martin team, along with its new power unit supplier, fell to the very bottom of the Constructors' Cup, practically turning into underdogs.

      In the winter, rumors emerged that Honda would start the season far from its best form, but few expected problems of such magnitude. When the new engine was installed on the AMR26 chassis just before the very first January tests in Barcelona, it became clear that the level of vibrations could only be described as nightmarish.

      "When we connected the chassis and the power unit and started testing on the track, we realized we had a problem," recalls Watanabe. "We didn't expect the vibrations to be so strong. Of course, we conducted bench tests before the tests, but there were no such vibrations then, so it was difficult to understand how to solve this problem."

      Watanabe refused to explain the exact cause of such vibrations even now, only emphasizing that they were related to a whole combination of factors, and that it was impossible to single out just one. According to him, a solution was found by making changes to both the material part and the software, but he did not share detailed information.

      "Now the vibration problem is resolved, and we are focused on improving efficiency," he continued, but mentioned an unpleasant episode for Japanese engine builders that occurred in Melbourne when Adrian Newey, now the head of Aston Martin F1, candidly told journalists about the vibration problem:

      "Our discussions with Adrian, which we have behind closed doors, are quite sincere and honest. Of course, what he said to the press at that time influenced (the relationship) to some extent, but it is important that we can have discussions in an open manner to address the problem. This kind of relationship between HRC and Aston Martin continued, which is why we gradually found a solution.

      Of course, working relationships do not form overnight. It takes time, and a certain experience needs to be accumulated. Step by step, day by day, the relationship between Honda and Aston Martin is strengthening, and I am quite satisfied now. But it took time, as the approach to work differs from that which we had with our previous partners (with Red Bull)."

      Now Watanabe and his colleagues have high hopes for the ADUO program, which gives engine builders additional opportunities for engine refinement, and HRC intends to prepare an upgraded power unit closer to the Belgian stage of the season, but these are still preliminary plans:

      "All of this is not easy, but we are improving the fuel combustion process to increase engine efficiency. This season we want to reach a higher level to compete for points, after which the key task in preparing for the next season is to find a way to achieve further improvements. Of course, much also depends on the progress of competitors, but we are making every effort."

      By the way, Honda was the only engine manufacturer that did not support the idea of an urgent adjustment to the regulations so that these changes would take effect in 2027 and 2028.

      "There is a moment of misunderstanding," Watanabe explained. "Of course, I was at those meetings with the FIA and always said that I share and understand the essence of the proposed changes and agree with them. However, it makes sense to discuss when they should take effect. The first step is proposed to be taken in 2027, it is very small, and it is not difficult. However, sometimes in the process of solving the problem, it turns out that the goals change, and achieving them becomes a problem for those who have to catch up. But this is also a solvable problem.

      Overall, the situation is complicated, but I believe we have the potential to return to the highest level."