Honda announce changes to leadership of F1 power unit development programme

Honda have announced that they will make changes to the leadership of their Formula 1 power unit development programme.

Monday's announcement confirmed that Yoichiro Fukao, currently serving as Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, would take over the role of Large Project Leader from October 1, succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda who has led the programme to date.

"This organisational change is a planned transition designed to ensure the reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers," read a statement from Honda.

"Following the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, and with further regulatory changes expected from 2027 onwards, Honda aims to establish a robust development framework and deliver a highly competitive PU by transitioning to the new structure at an early stage."

The Japanese manufacturer has endured a difficult time under the new-for-2026 regulations as an engine supplier to Aston Martin.

The Silverstone-based team have generally been at the back of the field throughout the campaign, with the Honda power unit suffering from both a lack of power and reliability compared to their rivals.

Aston Martin sit only above F1 debutants Cadillac in the teams' standings, with Fernando Alonso scoring three points across two races, while Lance Stroll has yet to score.

At last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Stroll retired with brake issues, while Alonso managed to reach the chequered flag at his home event two laps down in P17.

Fukao has been with Honda since 2002, beginning with the development of engine and gearbox control systems before pivoting to Honda's involvement in MotoGP between 2009-2011.

Having then focused on the development of hybrid systems over the next three years, Fukao went back to F1, eventually becoming Deputy Leader of the F1 Project in 2017 and again in 2022 as Honda looked to return to the sport.