Honda changes F1 design boss after slow start to return

But the pair are 10th of 11 teams in the constructors' championship and have a best result of ninth for Fernando Alonso in the Dutch Grand Prix. On Monday, Honda announced a new head of its engine development programme. Yoichiro Fukao, the former deputy leader of the project, will become Large Project Leader of the F1 project. He has replaced Tetsushi Kakuda, who has led power-unit development this season.

A statement said: "This organisational change is a planned transition designed to ensure the reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers. 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." Honda introduced its first engine upgrade of the campaign at the Dutch Grand Prix.