A fight heads Mercedes' way as Honda issues warning to the FIA
Toto Wolff during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium. Photo: Race Pictures
A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Formula 1’s 2026 power unit regulations continues to be the apple of discord behind the scenes, and Honda Racing Company President Koji Watanabe declares the matter not over.
While Mercedes is rumoured to have their affairs in order, most other manufacturers are wrestling with the new hybrid system’s heavy reliance on electrical energy (50-50 power split between the electrical componen and the internal combustion engine's side, ed.).
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Company, told as-web.jp that talks among suppliers have reached a standstill.
Meetings during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend brought together Honda, Red Bull, Ferrari, Audi, General Motors and Mercedes to discuss potential tweaks to the rules, particularly the MGU-K’s enhanced role.
No agreement yet, reveals Honda president
ADVERTISEMENT
But no agreement was struck then – and none has been since, the Japanese manufacturer's top man revealed.
“For the time being, talks have come to a halt. Therefore, we power unit manufacturers are now concentrating on 2026.
"However, I believe that discussions regarding future power units are not over,” Watanabe said.
Aston Martin and Honda are set to premiere their partnership as of the 2026 F1 season.
Honda, which is returning as a full works supplier with Aston Martin in 2026, has repeatedly voiced concerns over the FIA’s vision.
ADVERTISEMENT
With electrical deployment set to double compared to current levels, energy recovery and battery capacity are proving to be critical and difficult to overcome challenges.
Honda not done with F1 2026 power unit argument
Still, Watanabe believes the issue will inevitably be revisited.
“As long as the ideals currently held by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) remain unchanged, I expect discussions will begin again.”
The warning underlines how unsettled the power unit landscape remains.
ADVERTISEMENT
While the FIA continues to receive criticism from drivers and power unit manufacturers alike, the governing body still defends the overall integrity of the comprehensive regulations overhaul F1 looks set to undertake.
The manufacturers, however, continue to push back, arguing that competitiveness, cost, and reliability could all be jeopardised if the balance between combustion and electric energy is not adjusted.
With less approximately 7 months until the new cars hit the track, the question is whether consensus can be found – or whether Mercedes’ reported advantage will leave rivals on the back foot before the new era even begins.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google
