Honda and Aston Martin: The Sakura Earthquake that Shakes Formula 1

The rotation of engineers and the vibrations of the Japanese engine sow doubt in the British team.

The expectation was maximum. After a golden era with Red Bull, Honda landed at Aston Martin with the promise of repeating successes. However, the first races of the 2026 season have brought with them a bitter taste of times past, reminiscent of the difficult beginnings with McLaren. The Silverstone team is mired in a crisis that has put the ambitious project in check.

The root of the problem seems to lie in the Sakura factory itself, Honda's technological heart. A visit by Adrian Newey in November revealed a worrying reality: most of the engineers involved in the engine's development were new faces. This lack of accumulated experience has undeniably translated into disappointing performance on the track.

Koji Watanabe, head of HRC, has tried to shed light on the situation at the team bosses' press conference for the Japanese Grand Prix. In his words, the problem originates from an internal engineering rotation policy. The idea is that these professionals alternate between series production, the development of advanced technologies such as eVTOLs or jet aircraft, and Formula 1.

“Basically, I think it's a misunderstanding,” Watanabe explained. “Our policy is to rotate motorsports engineers periodically into mass production or more advanced technologies like jets, eVTOLs, hydraulics, something like that.”

However, this rotation, while seeking professional enrichment, appears to have diminished specific experience in the development of Formula 1 power units. “We kept rotating from the beginning. My explanation is probably not enough. And, of course, rebuilding the organization took time, so I think that was their concern. But now we have enough organization and talent,” Watanabe added, trying to dispel doubts.

The most pressing and visible problem is the vibrations generated by the Honda engine. These shocks not only affect the performance of the car, but also compromise the physical integrity of the drivers. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, the Aston Martin drivers, have not managed to complete any races to date due to these incidents. The goal for the next Grand Prix in Suzuka, the home of Honda, is, at a minimum, to be able to finish the 53 laps of the race.

“Right now, we are focusing on how we can improve the vibration problem, especially the damage in the battery area,” Watanabe acknowledged. “But also, heading into Suzuka, we have improved energy management for greater driving performance.”

The solution, according to Honda, does not lie solely in its power unit. Collaboration with Aston Martin is essential to address the problem comprehensively. “With the power unit alone we cannot solve the problem. That is why we are working very closely with Aston Martin to solve it, not only with regard to the power unit, but also the chassis,” he concluded.

Spanish fans and motorsport followers are waiting for the evolution of this complex situation. Will Honda and Aston Martin be able to overcome this slump and get back to winning ways? Time and the results in the next events will tell if the ambitious alliance manages to exorcise the ghosts of the past and build a successful future in Formula 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main problem that Honda faces with Aston Martin?
The main problem is the intense vibrations generated by the power unit, which affect the performance and physical integrity of the pilots.
Why have these vibrations occurred?
It is attributed to an engineering rotation policy at Honda, which has led to less specific experience in Formula 1 engine development in the current team.
What measures is Honda taking to solve the problem?
They are focusing on improving vibrations, especially in the battery area, and have made improvements to energy management for Suzuka.
Is Aston Martin involved in the solution?
Yes, Honda is working closely with Aston Martin to address the issue of not only the power unit but also the chassis.
Which drivers are affected by these vibrations?
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, the Aston Martin drivers, have been unable to finish races due to this problem.
What is the goal for the Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)?
The minimum objective is to be able to complete the 53 laps of the race.
Does Honda hope to repeat the success it had with Red Bull?
Currently, the situation is challenging and reminiscent of the beginnings with McLaren, so the immediate repetition of successes is uncertain.
Have any details been revealed about Adrian Newey's visit to Sakura?
Yes, Newey noticed the large number of new faces at the Honda factory during his visit in November.
What advanced technologies does Koji Watanabe mention in his explanation?
He mentions mass production, jet aircraft, eVTOLs and hydraulics as areas where engineers rotate.
Where can I get more information and analysis about Formula 1?
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