Honda replaces its F1 engine development chief

Honda is replacing Tetsushi Kakuda as the leader of its Formula 1 engine development programme with his assistant Yoichiro Fukao, effective from the start of October 2026, in what the company described as a 'planned transition'. The change comes amid Honda and Aston Martin's struggles in the 2026 F1 season, with the partnership having scored just three points and sitting ahead of only newcomer Cadillac in the constructors' standings. Honda cited the need to establish a stronger development framework ahead of further regulatory changes expected from 2027 onwards as the key reason for the leadership switch.