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Honda boss reveals devastating mistake behind Aston Martin’s F1 nightmare

Outgoing Honda Racing Corporation president and CEO Koji Watanabe has admitted that the company 'wasted two years' in developing their F1 engine for Aston Martin.

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 12:00 PM
Honda boss reveals devastating mistake behind Aston Martin’s F1 nightmare
Key Things to Know
  • Honda president Koji Watanabe admitted the company wasted two years developing its F1 engine for Aston Martin.
  • Watanabe acknowledged Honda's Formula 1 power unit is clearly inferior to rival manufacturers due to lacking power.
  • A delayed return decision and staffing constraints pushed back internal combustion engine development behind electrical components.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe admitted that Honda effectively wasted two years in developing its Formula 1 power unit for Aston Martin. Watanabe acknowledged that the current power unit is clearly inferior to those of rival manufacturers, with the main issue being a distinct lack of power compared to the rest of the grid.

Watanabe explained that a delayed decision to re-enter Formula 1 and initial staffing shortages forced Honda to focus first on electric components, resulting in delayed internal combustion engine development. He will retire at the end of the year and be replaced by Keiichi Yasuda.

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