News summary
- Honda has made drivability the main focus of its work with Aston Martin ahead of the Italian GP.
- The Japanese manufacturer spent the period after Zandvoort working on combustion control and consistency on its Sakura dynamometer.
- Monza’s long straights and high proportion of full-throttle running create a different challenge for Aston Martin’s new power unit.
After introducing an updated version of its power unit at the Dutch GP, Honda has explained the main focus of its preparations for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. According to Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s track general manager and chief engineer, the Japanese manufacturer used the break between the two races to improve the drivability of its new power unit.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll had both pointed to some progress, particularly in terms of power delivery, although the Spaniard also made clear that Aston Martin had “gone back to square one” in certain areas. Even so, the two-time World Champion took advantage of Zandvoort’s tight layout to finish ninth, securing Aston Martin’s best result of the season so far.
Monza, however, presents a very different challenge, with its long straights and high-speed nature. Honda is not particularly concerned about a potential top-speed deficit compared with its rivals. Instead, the manufacturer believes the priority at this stage is to provide its drivers with a power unit that behaves more predictably across all sectors of the circuit.
“Monza is a unique circuit, with one of the highest proportions of full-throttle sections on the 2026 calendar, thanks to the long straights and just 11 corners. At this circuit, how we distribute the limited energy throughout those sections becomes crucial,” Orihara began in a video posted on Honda’s social media channels.
“Our main focus for the Italian GP is to improve drivability. Since the Dutch GP, we have been working extensively on the dynamometer at our Sakura factory to improve this aspect and, specifically, to achieve stable and consistent combustion control,” he concluded.
The focus on drivability comes as Aston Martin continues to adapt to Honda’s latest power-unit package. The team will now face a significantly different test at Monza, where the combination of long straights, heavy braking zones and limited cornering places greater importance on energy deployment and consistent power delivery.
The 2026 Italian GP will therefore provide an important indication of whether the work carried out by Honda between Zandvoort and Monza can translate into a more predictable package for Alonso and Stroll. The F1 2026 season continues this weekend, with the full Italian GP 2026 schedule running from September 4 to 6 at Monza.
GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
What is Honda’s main focus for the Italian GP?
Honda says improving drivability is its main priority at Monza, particularly through more stable and consistent combustion control.
Why is Monza a different challenge for Honda and Aston Martin?
Monza features long straights and a high proportion of full-throttle running. As a result, energy deployment and power-unit behavior become particularly important.
What did Honda work on after the Dutch GP?
Honda used its Sakura factory dynamometer to work on drivability, with a specific focus on achieving more stable and consistent combustion control.
