Honda announces leadership change in Aston Martin F1 engine development
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 8:08 AM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
Honda has made a significant organizational change in its Formula 1 power unit development for Aston Martin. Starting October 1, Yoichiro Fukao, the current Deputy Leader of the F1 project at Honda Racing Corporation, will take over as Large Project Leader, succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda. This shift aims to enhance the transition of technical expertise to future engineers. Honda's partnership with Aston Martin has faced challenges, including severe performance and vibration issues with the 2026 power unit. Aston Martin currently holds the last position in the Constructors' standings, with their recent outing at the Spanish GP resulting in a DNF for Lance Stroll and a P19 finish for Fernando Alonso.
- •Yoichiro Fukao becomes Large Project Leader on October 1.
- •Tetsushi Kakuda steps down from the leadership role.
- •Aston Martin struggles with significant engine issues in 2026.
- •Team currently sits last in the Constructors' standings.
- •Recent race included a DNF for Stroll and P19 for Alonso.
- 7:53 AMAutosport — Honda replaces F1 power unit boss in organisation shuffle
- 7:50 AMMotorsport.com — Aston Martin partner Honda replaces F1 power unit boss
- 6:32 AMYahoo Sports — Honda announce leadership change over Aston Martin F1 power unit development
"Honda have announced a change to the structure of their F1 power unit development programme responsible for supplying the Aston Martin team with their 2026 generation of engine. Effective from October 1, Honda Racing Corporation's (HRC) current Deputy Leader of the F1 project, Yoichiro Fukao will step up to assume the LPL role (Large Project Leader), succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda, who has so far led development on the Japanense manufacturer's F1 power unit.
"Aston Martin's engine partner Honda has replaced the project leader of its Formula 1 power unit programme as it aims to claw its way back into contention. On Monday the Japanese manufacturer announced engine development leader Tetsushi Kakuda is set to be replaced by his current assistant Yoichiro Fukao, effective on 1 October. Honda Racing Corporation said the move was part of a "planned ...Keep reading
"Aston Martin's engine partner Honda has replaced the project leader of its Formula 1 power unit programme as it aims to claw its way back into contention. On Monday the Japanese manufacturer announced engine development leader Tetsushi Kakuda is set to be replaced by his current assistant Yoichiro Fukao, effective on 1 October. Honda Racing Corporation said the move was part of a "planned ...Keep reading
Sources
External links- AutosportSep 14, 2026, 7:53 AMHonda replaces F1 power unit boss in organisation shuffle
Aston Martin's engine partner Honda has replaced the project leader of its Formula 1 power unit programme as it aims to claw its way back into contention. On Monday the Japanese manufacturer announced engine development leader Tetsushi Kakuda is set to be replaced by his current assistant Yoichiro Fukao, effective on 1 October. Honda Racing Corporation said the move was part of a "planned ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comSep 14, 2026, 7:50 AMAston Martin partner Honda replaces F1 power unit boss
Aston Martin's engine partner Honda has replaced the project leader of its Formula 1 power unit programme as it aims to claw its way back into contention. On Monday the Japanese manufacturer announced engine development leader Tetsushi Kakuda is set to be replaced by his current assistant Yoichiro Fukao, effective on 1 October. Honda Racing Corporation said the move was part of a "planned ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 6:32 AMHonda announce leadership change over Aston Martin F1 power unit development
Honda have announced a change to the structure of their F1 power unit development programme responsible for supplying the Aston Martin team with their 2026 generation of engine. Effective from October 1, Honda Racing Corporation's (HRC) current Deputy Leader of the F1 project, Yoichiro Fukao will step up to assume the LPL role (Large Project Leader), succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda, who has so far led development on the Japanense manufacturer's F1 power unit.
- Formula1.com—Honda announce changes to leadership of power unit programme
Honda have announced that it will make changes to the leadership of their Formula 1 power unit development programme.
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