Honda has announced that they have registered as a power unit manufacturer for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Honda formally left F1 at the conclusion of the 2021 season. However, the Japanese manufacturer continued its cooperation with Red Bull which was extended until 2025 earlier this year.
After the negotiations between Red Bull and Porsche fell through, suggestions about Honda’s possible return to F1 appeared. Honda fueled the debates by registering as a power unit manufacturer for the 2026 season when the new engine regulations will come into effect.
“As HRC, we have registered as a PU manufacturer after 2026,” HRC president Koji Watanabe said.
“The F1 regulations from 2026 onwards are moving in the direction of carbon neutrality.
“In addition, the fact that electrification is also being promoted, and the carbon neutrality and electrification that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is promoting, is the same. The targets match.
“As a racing company, we have registered as a manufacturer in order to advance research on racing.
“There is also the fact that November 15 was the deadline (for registration). We have registered as a manufacturer in order to continue [this research].”
