News Summary
- Honda has appointed Yoichiro Fukao to replace Tetsushi Kakuda as leader of its F1 power unit development programme from October 1.
- HRC describes the restructuring as a planned transition designed to accelerate development and transfer technical knowledge to a new generation of engineers.
- The change comes after Honda struggled with performance and reliability in its first season as Aston Martin’s works power unit partner.
Honda Racing Corporation has announced a significant change at the top of its Formula 1 power unit programme, with Yoichiro Fukao set to replace Tetsushi Kakuda as project leader from October 1.
Fukao currently serves as deputy leader of Honda’s F1 project and head of its software division. He will take over the Large Project Leader role from Kakuda, who has overseen development of the RA626H power unit used exclusively by Aston Martin in 2026.
Honda described the move as a planned transition rather than a direct reaction to its difficult season, but made clear that accelerating power unit development is one of the objectives behind the restructuring.
“Honda Racing Corporation will implement a change in the leadership of its F1 Power Unit development programme, effective October 1st, 2026, with the aim of further accelerating PU development and ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation of engineers,” the manufacturer said.
“Yoichiro Fukao, currently serving as Assistant LPL [Deputy Leader of the F1 Project, Head of the Software Division], will assume the role of LPL [Large Project Leader], succeeding Tetsushi Kakuda, who has led the PU development to date.”
The wording of Honda’s announcement was also independently reported by Autosport and RACER, confirming that HRC presented the change as part of a longer-term succession process rather than an emergency replacement.
“This organisational change is a planned transition designed to ensure the reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers,” Honda added.
The timing is nevertheless significant. Honda’s return as a full works manufacturer alongside Aston Martin has been considerably more difficult than anticipated, with the RA626H suffering from both performance and reliability problems during the opening months of the new regulations.
Honda acknowledged earlier in the season that it had underestimated the extent of the challenge. Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara admitted that Honda knew its original package was not competitive, with battery problems adding to the initial performance deficit.
The situation allowed Honda to qualify for additional development under the FIA’s ADUO — Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities — mechanism. The manufacturer subsequently introduced a substantially revised power unit at Zandvoort after identifying outright power as the original engine’s “main weakness”.
Progress has been made, particularly in combustion behaviour and power delivery, but the revised specification has not transformed Aston Martin’s competitive position. Honda has therefore continued working on driveability and energy management while simultaneously directing development towards its longer-term package.
Despite the problems, the relationship between the two organisations has remained constructive. During a press conference in Spa-Francorchamps attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO, Orihara and Aston Martin trackside performance director Mike Krack explained how the partnership had remained united during the difficult start to 2026.
Honda’s restructuring is also aimed at what comes next. With further changes to the power unit regulations expected from 2027, HRC wants the new leadership structure established early enough to influence development of its next package.
“Following the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, and with further regulatory changes expected from 2027 onwards, Honda aims to establish a robust development framework and deliver a highly competitive PU by transitioning to the new structure at an early stage,” Honda concluded.
Fukao will formally take control on October 1, immediately before the Bahrain GP in Malaysia weekend. Formula 1 returns first with the Azerbaijan GP from September 24-26, round 15 of the 2026 season.
FAQ
Who is Honda’s new F1 power unit project leader?
Yoichiro Fukao will become Honda’s F1 Large Project Leader on October 1. He is currently deputy leader of the F1 project and head of Honda’s software division.
Why is Honda replacing Tetsushi Kakuda?
Honda says the change is a planned transition intended to accelerate power unit development while ensuring technical knowledge is transferred to the next generation of engineers. It comes during a difficult 2026 season in which Honda has struggled with both performance and reliability.
Which F1 team uses Honda engines in 2026?
Aston Martin is Honda’s exclusive works partner in Formula 1. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll drive the Honda-powered AMR26.
