Honda’s US division to assist 2026 F1 engine development

The newly rebranded HRC US division will collaborate with the Japanese marque’s native base of operations on the production and development of the 2026 Formula 1 engine that will power the Aston Martin F1 team.

Based out of Santa Clarita, California, the previously named Honda Performance Development (HPD) officially became HRC US (Honda Racing Corporation – United States) as of Tuesday.

In its previous guise as HPD, formed in 1993, HRC US has experience competing in IndyCar, IMSA, Baja Off-Road, Touring Cars and Formula Regional America and will now contribute to the Formula 1 program that will see Honda form a works partnership with the Silverstone-based Aston Martin team.

A September press release announcing Honda’s intention to rebrand HPD as HRC US commented, “with three F1 races now in the U.S., the new HRC US will be involved in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.”

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Honda’s decision to split the workload between its racing operations in Japan and the U.S. will mean that Aston Martin and its new engine partner must work out how to effectively manage the engine development parameters concerning the cost cap between the two locations.

Honda’s racing operations in the United States boast a diverse portfolio and several successes.

In 2023, Honda powered 2023 IndyCar series champion Alex Palou’s #10 Chip Ganassi to title glory and the Honda-owned Acura brand won the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona endurance event as well as the IMSA season finale Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta and claimed another IMSA victory at Mosport in July.

Speaking on the launch of HRS US, David Salters was excited to be folding his branch into Honda’s global racing program to a greater extent.

“The team and I here at HRC US are excited and humbled to embark on this next racing adventure,” Salters said. “Honda’s racing heritage is exceptional.

“I have just come back from Honda’s annual ‘Thanks Day’ activity at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit: Moto GP, Formula 1, Indycar, Motocross, Dakar endurance, Trials, Touring Car, Super GT all being demonstrated at the highest level by a paddock full of world champions.

“Only Honda does this. We challenge ourselves and entertain our amazing Honda Racing fans across all pinnacle racing, two and four wheels.

“Add Honda’s cool car and bike culture, cutting edge technology and superb vehicles to this and you can only feel immensely proud to be joining our companies and amazing people together to make one global racing organization, HRC Honda Racing.

“This really is the power of dreams, moreover we get to race our dreams.”

Salter’s sentiment was shared by HRC Japan President Koji Watanabe back in September who said “our race engineers in the U.S. and Japan will be stronger together.”

HRC U.S will make its official debut at The Rolex 24 at Daytona on Jan 27-28, with 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and former F1 driver and Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson amongst its driving roster in the premier GTP category.