Honda Prepares for F1 Power Unit Upgrade at Zandvoort

Honda is set to introduce its first power unit upgrade of the 2026 Formula 1 season at Zandvoort, focusing primarily on enhancing the internal combustion engine. Chief engineer Shintaro Orihara emphasized that drivability remains a critical aspect of this update.

This upgrade follows Aston Martin's recent major package introduction for its AMR26 in Hungary. While Aston Martin has made strides in reducing its race pace deficit, Honda aims to address its own performance gaps, particularly in engine output, which Orihara identifies as a significant weakness.

Honda's upgrade is expected to improve engine performance, with estimates suggesting a potential gain of up to 30bhp. However, the introduction of the new engine specification may also present challenges in drivability, necessitating further adjustments as the team adapts to changes in engine behavior during cornering.