Key Takeaways:
- Realistic Expectations: Honda Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara clarified that the engine upgrade introduced at Zandvoort will not deliver a “magic” transformation, estimating potential lap time gains between 0.050s and 0.100s.
- Final Major Engine Update: The Zandvoort power unit specification represents Honda’s last major development package for the 2026 season, with future major updates pushed to 2027.
- Targeting Incremental Progress: Honda aims to build on Aston Martin’s Hungarian GP aerodynamic package to close the remaining gap to the frontrunning teams.
Honda has ruled out a “magic” leap in performance with the major power unit update introduced at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, while establishing the ceiling for its engine development program in 2026. Shintaro Orihara, track manager and chief engineer for the Japanese manufacturer, confirmed that the Zandvoort package will be the team’s final major update of the season.
Speaking to journalists in Zandvoort on Thursday (20), Orihara explained that while it is difficult to quantify the precise reduction in gap, Honda expects the update to yield meaningful progress in lap times.
“I cannot explain exactly how much of the gap we will close with this update. However, in F1 we must be realistic; we cannot perform ‘magic’, although we believe we will take good steps with this improvement. We have a gap to the top teams, but in Hungary, Aston Martin also brought a major update. Improving our position by 0.050s or 0.100s is very important, and I believe our update can deliver that kind of lap time gain,” he stated.
The chief engineer was also asked whether Honda might introduce another significant power unit specification later in the 2026 campaign. According to Orihara, the package debuting at Zandvoort represents the final major development scheduled for this year.
“This is the only major update for this year. However, should we find a good solution to enhance performance through a minor modification, that could be considered. But the [next] major update will be in 2027,” he concluded.
The engine update arrives amid a flurry of technical and paddock announcements heading into Round 12, following Honda identifying its primary engine weakness and outlining the Zandvoort upgrade, Max Verstappen revealing he was close to retiring prior to extending his Red Bull deal through 2030, how the provisional 2027 F1 driver grid stands, and McLaren confirming rear-end aerodynamic updates for Zandvoort.
Formula 1 resumes track action this weekend, August 21–23, 2026, at the Dutch Grand Prix, the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all activities in Zandvoort live on-site with reporter Leonid Kliuev.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
| Friday, August 21 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday, August 21 | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Sprint Race | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Grand Prix Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, August 23 | Grand Prix (72 Laps) | 15:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much lap time gain does Honda expect from its Zandvoort power unit update?
Honda Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara estimates potential lap time gains between 0.005s and 0.100s from the updated power unit.
Will Honda introduce another major power unit upgrade during the 2026 F1 season?
No, the Zandvoort specification is Honda’s final major update of 2026. Any further developments in 2026 will be minor modifications, with the next major overhaul scheduled for 2027.
Which Formula 1 team receives engine supplies from Honda in 2026?
Honda serves as the official power unit supplier for Aston Martin in Formula 1.
