Honda is replacing the head of its Formula 1 power unit project following the manufacturer's disappointing start to 2026 as Aston Martin's engine supplier.
In what the company calls a "planned transition," Yoichiro Fukao will take over the lead role in Honda's F1 power unit project from Tetsushi Kakuda on Oct. 1.
Fukao is currently the deputy leader of Honda's power unit project and has worked for the company since 2002 in positions in F1, MotoGP and mass production.
Honda joined forces with Aston Martin at the start of this season, but has struggled for performance under F1's new power unit regulations.
"This organisational change is a planned transition designed to ensure the reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers," a Honda statement said.
"Following the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, and with further regulatory changes expected from 2027 onwards, Honda aims to establish a robust development framework and deliver a highly competitive PU by transitioning to the new structure at an early stage."
The Japanese manufacturer had enjoyed a period of success with Red Bull under the previous set of power unit regulations, which included Max Verstappen taking four drivers' titles with Honda power.
However, a significant number of the staff that worked on the previous power unit design left the project in 2021 after Honda initially announced its intention to end its involvement in F1 at the end of the 2025 season.
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A shift in F1's regulations for 2026 to ensure 50 percent of the power unit's overall output came from the battery convinced Honda to continue in F1, but its early development under the new rules stalled due to its earlier decision to disband its power unit department.
Both Honda and Aston Martin started the season on the back foot, and the team has scored just three points all season, leaving it 10th in the constructors' standings
Honda introduced an engine upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix by using one of the development steps afforded by F1's catch-up mechanism, ADUO, but remains adrift of its rivals.
The extent of the gap was clear at the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago, which took place on the power-sensitive Monza circuit. The fastest of the two Aston Martin cars qualified 0.6 seconds off the next slowest car -- Sergio Perez's Ferrari-powered Cadillac