Starting October 1, 2026, Yoichiro Fukao will lead Honda's power unit project for Aston Martin, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda. Honda calls the reshuffle planned, but it comes after issues with power, reliability, and drivability of the new hybrid system.
Fukao joined Honda in 2002 and started by developing engine and transmission control systems. He then worked with MotoGP and hybrid systems, and later became deputy head of the F1 project and led the software direction.
The choice of such a specialist is important due to the nature of Honda's problems. In a modern F1 power unit, the internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery, recuperation, and control systems must work as a single complex. Even with sufficient peak power, calibration errors can worsen acceleration and the car's behavior during braking. After Honda's August update, engineers continued to work specifically on drivability and settings.
The situation remains difficult for Aston Martin: after the Spanish Grand Prix, the team had three points and was in 10th place out of 11. At the same time, Honda has already received additional opportunities for power unit development under the ADUO system.
2027 will be especially important. According to the new parameters, the ICE power will increase from 400 to 420 kW, while the maximum electrical component will decrease from 350 to 300 kW. Honda is already simultaneously developing the next engine, and Fukao will lead both directions.