What did Adrian Newey reveal about Honda's 2026 F1 engine changes?

Adrian Newey revealed that Aston Martin was caught off guard by the extent of changes within its engine partner, Honda, for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, noting that only about 30% of the original workforce remained.

When did Aston Martin become aware of Honda's staff changes for 2026?

Aston Martin became aware of the staff changes within Honda in November 2025, after rumors suggested Honda might not achieve its target power output for the first race.

Why are Honda's 2026 F1 engine preparations challenging for Aston Martin?

The preparations are challenging because much of Honda's original experienced engineering group had disbanded, and the reformed team largely consists of individuals new to Formula 1 and lacking championship-winning experience.

Home / Sports / Newey: Honda's 2026 F1 Engine Changes Caught Aston Martin Off Guard

Newey: Honda's 2026 F1 Engine Changes Caught Aston Martin Off Guard

6 Mar

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Summary

Aston Martin learned late last year about Honda's reduced experienced workforce.
Only 30% of Honda's original staff remain for the 2026 Formula 1 project.
Honda's reformed team largely lacks championship-winning Formula 1 experience.

Newey: Honda's 2026 F1 Engine Changes Caught Aston Martin Off Guard

Aston Martin F1 team principal Adrian Newey has disclosed that the team was surprised by the extent of restructuring within its engine partner, Honda, as preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations intensify.

Newey revealed that Aston Martin only realized in November 2025 that Honda had retained a limited number of staff from its championship-winning engine era. Approximately 30 percent of the original workforce remains involved, with many of the reformed team being new to Formula 1 and lacking prior experience.

This revelation comes amid other challenges, including concerns about car vibrations. Honda's involvement with Aston Martin for 2026 marks a different structure than its previous successful partnership with Red Bull Racing, which concluded at the end of 2021.

Newey explained that many experienced engineers had moved on during Honda's hiatus from the sport, with some transitioning to other industries like solar panels. The re-established team brought less experience, compounded by the introduction of engine budget caps in 2023.

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