Honda has teased its new power unit ahead of its Formula 1 return with Aston Martin, following its formal withdrawal at the end if the 2021 season.
Following winning the driver’s title with Max Verstappen at the final race of the 2021 season, Honda pulled out of the sport to the surprise of many in the paddock.
However, Honda’s IP remained in the sport, with Red Bull utilising the technology to power its championship winning 2022 to 2024 championship wins.
The Japanese manufacturer will now return with a full works relationship with Aston Martin, similar to its previous relationship with Red Bull.
With pre-season testing only weeks away, Honda has now revealed its new power unit ahead of its first run in Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger.
Can Honda avoid a repeat of 2015 debacle?
In a image published on social media, Honda showed off part of its new power unit, while attendees of the Tokyo Auto Salon saw a darkened preview video that hid the engine.
F1’s all new technical regulations present a new challenge for Honda, as it grapples with the 50:50 split between internal combustion and electrical power.
Honda is entering a similar scenario to 2015, when it debuted its first hybrid engine with McLaren under a cloud of disappointment.
Underpowered, thirsty and unreliable, it drove McLaren to ninth in the Constructors’ Championship as power unit failures became commonplace, leading to a divorce from the British team.
the racing arm of Honda was dismantled after its withdrawal, leading to fears that a repeat of the McLaren years is a real possibility.
The new power unit will debut in pre-season testing on January 26th, where the car gar giant will aim for reliability and performance.
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