Honda announces leadership change for F1 power unit development
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Honda Racing Corporation will replace Tetsushi Kakuda with Yoichiro Fukao as the head of its F1 Power Unit development, effective October 1, 2026. This change aims to enhance performance and facilitate a transition to a new generation of engineers. Honda has faced difficulties with its current power unit since the beginning of the 2026 season, compounded by a loss of key personnel after Red Bull's shift to Ford. The decision reflects Honda's strategic push to establish a robust framework for achieving competitiveness amid upcoming regulatory changes.
- •Yoichiro Fukao to succeed Tetsushi Kakuda on October 1, 2026.
- •Honda aims to accelerate power unit development amid ongoing performance issues.
- •Red Bull's commitment to Ford depleted Honda's engineering support.
- •The shift is part of Honda's strategy to prepare for future regulatory changes.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — What Honda Wants to Achieve with Early Change of F1 Power Unit Head
"Honda Racing Corporation announced a planned change of F1 Power Unit Head, from Tetsushi Kakuda to Yoichiro Fukao, in a push to accelerate development. Amid troubles with the current Honda power unit since the winter of 2025 into F1 2026…
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