Honda is setting its sights on rejoining Formula 1’s top power unit suppliers by the end of 2027 or early 2028, with chief engineer Shintaro Orihara outlining an ambitious plan for upgrades to the internal combustion engine and closer integration with Aston Martin’s chassis.
After a painful start to its new partnership with Aston Martin, Honda is focusing on a major ADUO upgrade at Zandvoort, designed to boost engine performance and bring them back into the “racing field.” Orihara acknowledges that several further steps will be needed, with continuous development planned into 2027—when new fuel flow rate regulations are introduced.
“After the summer shutdown, we want to go back to the racing field,” Orihara said. “We are now focusing on developing a good engine for 2027 and also working closely with Aston Martin behind the scenes… At the beginning of 2027, maybe we will not have the best of the power units yet, but we will be closer to the top competitor. And then we keep pushing hard to be top competitor, I hope, in 2027 or 2028.”
Honda’s previous F1 journey began with struggles before delivering world championships alongside Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Orihara sees a similar potential for a turnaround, although he stresses the challenge of reliability amid upcoming regulation changes—specifically the shift to a greater percentage of electrical power and increased fuel flow rates.
“The most challenging point will probably be the reliability,” Orihara admitted, though he praised the FIA’s decision to phase in the fuel flow increase over two years. “It will still be challenging for reliability, but I think it’s a good decision.”
Honda, working hand-in-hand with Aston Martin and aiming for better integration with Adrian Newey’s designs, hopes to be back among F1’s elite engine suppliers by late 2027 or the start of 2028.
