Honda upgrades F1 engine, driveability improves to early specification levels
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 2:05 PM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe announced the latest upgrade to their Formula 1 power unit has improved driveability, bringing it closer to the level seen during the troubled initial specification. The update comes amid Honda's challenges since returning to the championship under new technical regulations. Watanabe acknowledged that despite achieving power targets, a lack of competitiveness remains, and further work is needed on the combustion process and control systems. The company faced setbacks in engine development due to a late start and staffing challenges after their 2021 withdrawal from the Red Bull partnership. Watanabe stated ongoing improvements can be expected with time and refinements to the engine system.
- •Honda's engine upgrade aims to improve driveability and power output.
- •Achieving early specification levels marks progress for Honda's power unit.
- •Delays in development were caused by staffing and budgetary constraints.
- •Further enhancements to the engine are planned moving forward.
- •Honda continues to work to close the performance gap with competitors.
- 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Honda ADUO engine upgrade pegged driveability back near Spec 1 level
- 2:05 PMMotorsport.com — Honda ADUO engine upgrade pegged driveability back near Spec 1 level
"Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe admits the manufacturer’s Formula 1 power unit upgrade brought its driveability close to its troubled first specification’s level. Honda has struggled on his full-fledged return to the world championship, as new technical regulations were adopted with power units featuring near-50% electrical energy. While the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 ...Keep reading
"HRC president reflects on Honda’s progress with its latest power unit update
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 2:05 PMHonda ADUO engine upgrade pegged driveability back near Spec 1 level
HRC president reflects on Honda’s progress with its latest power unit update
- Motorsport.comOct 19, 2026, 2:05 PMHonda ADUO engine upgrade pegged driveability back near Spec 1 level
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe admits the manufacturer’s Formula 1 power unit upgrade brought its driveability close to its troubled first specification’s level. Honda has struggled on his full-fledged return to the world championship, as new technical regulations were adopted with power units featuring near-50% electrical energy. While the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 ...Keep reading
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