Aston Martin engine partner Honda has axed the project leader of its Formula 1 power unit programme as it searches for a way to rejoin the front-runners. Honda announced Monday that engine development chief Tetsushi Kakuda is to be replaced by his deputy Yoichiro Fukao from 1 October. 

Honda Racing Corporation said the change was a "planned transition" but also said the intention was to "accelerate" the development of its power unit. 

"Honda Racing Corporation will implement a change in the leadership of its F1 Power Unit (PU) development programme, effective October 1st, 2026, with the aim of further accelerating PU development and ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation of engineers," it said in a statement. Yoichiro Fukao, currently serving as Assistant LPL (Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, Head of the Software Division), will assume the role of LPL (Large Project Leader), succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda, who has led the PU development to date. 

Honda has endured a miserable start to the new 2026 era, failing to deliver the performance or reliability needed to qualify for extra development support.

However, by making the leadership change now Honda hopes to benefit from the development of a revised power unit for 2027. "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," it said. 

After a poor start to 2026 Honda was granted extra power unit assistance in May, above the original ADUO system. But over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend there have been further conversations between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Aston Martin's Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso about what more can be done to support the struggling manufacturer.

One option being suggested is to revisit further an ADUO upgrade system that is designed to help a manufacturer that is falling behind, with both Mercedes and Red Bull Ford Powertrains, an engine supplier to both teams, open to tweaks.

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Lakshya