Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially announced its plans to establish a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom as part of its Formula 1 comeback in 2026. The new entity, HRC UK, will focus on post-race power unit maintenance and act as a logistics hub for supplying power units to the Aston Martin F1 Team under the new F1 regulations.
This move highlights Honda’s strategic commitment to F1 and its long-term ambition to remain competitive in motorsport’s elite category.
A Global Network for F1 Operations
In spring 2024, HRC UK will begin hiring engineers, technicians, and support staff to drive its operational plans. The UK subsidiary will complement HRC US, which continues its work on developing the next-generation 2026 power units.
HRC US, formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), specializes in IndyCar, IMSA, and Formula Regional America. Since its rebranding in 2023, HRC US has leveraged its expertise in hybrid technology, such as the development of the Acura ARX-06 power unit, to contribute to Honda’s F1 efforts.
The logistical division between HRC UK and HRC US is expected to streamline post-race power unit analysis, especially with five North American races scheduled for 2024. This split ensures shorter transportation times and increased efficiency.
Honda’s F1 Legacy: A History of Success and Challenges
Honda’s relationship with Formula 1 has seen both iconic moments and difficult decisions. Its partnership with McLaren-Honda in the 1980s, led by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, remains legendary. However, Honda’s history in F1 has also been marked by strategic withdrawals due to shifting priorities.
The most surprising exit came in 2008, when Honda left F1 amid the global financial crisis. More recently, Honda announced its withdrawal in 2020, despite a championship-winning season with Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen in 2021.
While the partnership with Red Bull achieved immense success, Honda’s unpredictable approach led to Red Bull’s decision to partner with Ford starting in 2026.
A Fresh Start: Honda Partners with Aston Martin
Honda’s new chapter in Formula 1 begins in 2026, when it will serve as the power unit supplier for the Aston Martin F1 Team. This partnership reflects Honda’s renewed focus on F1, driven by the sport’s 2026 regulations, which emphasize sustainable and electrified technology.
Key changes in the regulations include:
- 50% electric component in the hybrid system.
- Elimination of the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) to reduce costs and complexity.
These changes have attracted new manufacturers like Audi and encouraged Honda’s return, aligning with its goals for hybrid and electric vehicle development.
Long-Term Commitment to F1
In an interview with Motorsport UK, Koji Watanabe, head of HRC US, emphasized Honda’s strategic shift:
“It is very important that a new corporate entity has been formed to carry out F1 activities. Until now, our activities have been projects—bringing people and money together, dissolving when the project was finished, and repeating the process. But now we will be responsible for the activities of the racing company.”
This structural change underscores Honda’s intention to establish a stable and competitive presence in Formula 1 for the long term.
Countdown to 2026
With HRC UK and HRC US collaborating globally, Honda is well-positioned for success in Formula 1 under the new regulations. Its partnership with Aston Martin offers an opportunity to compete at the front of the grid while driving innovation in hybrid technology.
As the motorsport world anticipates the 2026 F1 season, Honda’s efforts signal a bold return to the pinnacle of racing and a commitment to shaping the future of Formula 1.
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