Honda appoints Fukao to lead F1 engine project amid Aston Martin struggles

Honda has appointed Yoichiro Fukao to lead its Formula 1 engine project, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda after a difficult start to its works partnership with Aston Martin. BBC Sport reported that the change was announced on Monday, with Fukao moving up from his position as deputy project leader to take responsibility for the programme.

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The appointment comes with Aston Martin 10th in the 11-team constructors' championship. Fernando Alonso's ninth place at the Dutch Grand Prix remains the partnership's best finish of the season. Honda returned as an official works engine partner in 2026, having previously won four world titles alongside Red Bull and Max Verstappen between 2021 and 2024.

Honda described the leadership handover as a planned transition intended to pass technical knowledge to a new generation of engineers. In its statement, the manufacturer linked the timing to the regulations introduced this year and further changes expected from 2027, saying the new structure was intended to strengthen development and produce a competitive power unit.

The manufacturer introduced its first engine upgrade of the season at the Dutch Grand Prix. Trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara said Honda's measurements showed a performance improvement, although BBC Sport reported that the gain was understood to be small and below Aston Martin's expectations. At last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso was eliminated in the opening qualifying session, finishing 2.2 seconds behind that session's fastest time.

The current engine rules divide power almost equally between combustion and electrical systems. BBC Sport reported that Honda's difficulties also followed a lengthy rebuilding process: after announcing its withdrawal in October 2020, the company retained only a small engineering group while continuing to supply Red Bull through 2025. Other engineers moved to different parts of Honda.

When Honda decided in May 2023 to return officially for 2026, it recruited engineers without F1 experience instead of recalling those responsible for its successful 2021 engine, according to the BBC. Experienced staff have begun returning this season. Alonso, who also drove Honda-powered McLarens during the difficult 2015-17 period, has yet to confirm whether he will remain in F1 after his Aston Martin contract expires at the end of this season.