Honda's Formula 1 power unit effort is effectively starting over from scratch with new partner Aston Martin. The partnership, which began with the 2026 season, has already thrown up a host of challenges, with the team struggling to achieve the performance levels they had anticipated. The issues have been compounded by the introduction of new engine regulations, which have left the entire grid playing catch-up. At the heart of the problem is a nagging issue with vibrations that have been damaging the hybrid system's batteries. According to Honda Racing's powertrain boss, Ikuo Takeishi, the team has been forced to call off testing sessions due to the problem. In one instance, Aston Martin was forced to abandon a day of testing in Bahrain after experiencing "abnormal vibrations" that damaged the battery system. Takeishi has described the vibrations as "shaking the battery pack within the vehicle body," and has indicated that the ...
Honda’s Formula 1 power unit effort is effectively starting over from scratch with new partner Aston Martin. The partnership, which began with the 2026 season, has already thrown up a host of challenges, with the team struggling to achieve the performance levels they had anticipated. The issues have been compounded by the introduction of new engine regulations, which have left the entire grid playing catch-up.
At the heart of the problem is a nagging issue with vibrations that have been damaging the hybrid system’s batteries. According to Honda Racing’s powertrain boss, Ikuo Takeishi, the team has been forced to call off testing sessions due to the problem. In one instance, Aston Martin was forced to abandon a day of testing in Bahrain after experiencing “abnormal vibrations” that damaged the battery system.
Takeishi has described the vibrations as “shaking the battery pack within the vehicle body,” and has indicated that the cause is not yet clear. The team has been working to identify the source of the problem, but has so far been unable to pinpoint it. As a result, they may need to address multiple components simultaneously, which could make it difficult to find a solution.
The trouble is that the damage has already been done, with Aston Martin and Honda’s pre-season testing sessions yielding only about 1,300 miles. This is a far cry from the 12,000 miles that Mercedes achieved during their testing sessions, and leaves the team with a significant amount of work to do before the season begins in Australia next weekend.
Despite the challenges, Honda’s president, Koji Watanabe, remains committed to the partnership. He has stated that the team is united in their desire to resolve the issues and achieve success in the season ahead. Watanabe has also acknowledged that the pre-season tests were “extremely challenging,” but has expressed confidence that the team will be able to find a solution.
The early days ahead will be tough, but if Honda and Aston Martin can put aside their differences and work together, they may just find glory in the end. The partnership has the potential to be a game-changer for both teams, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the challenges ahead.
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