Honda boss Koji Watanabe claimed Adrian Newey’s comments about a lack of expertise on the engine producer were a “misunderstanding”.
Honda have made a full-time comeback to F1 this 12 months having ended their earlier works partnership with Red Bull on the finish of 2021, though the Japanese producer continued to supply technical assist for a energy unit that claimed additional world titles and race victories with the Milton Keynes-based team till the top of final 12 months.
Earlier this month, Newey stated he was unaware of Honda’s struggles till November and that solely 30 per cent of the unique team that helped Verstappen win his maiden drivers’ title in 2021 returned to the totally fledged outfit which have produced the 2026 energy unit for Aston Martin.
At the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday, Watanabe stated: “I think that it’s a misunderstanding. Basically, our policy is to rotate the engineers of the motorsport regularly to mass production or more advanced technologies like jet or eVTOL or hydrology or something like that.
“So that’s, we proceed to rotate from the start. Probably my rationalization just isn’t sufficient. Also, in fact, to rebuild the organisation took a little bit of time, in order that was his fear, I feel. But now we’ve got ample organisation and expertise.”
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Adrian Newey breaks down how the vibration and battery points are impacting Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are but to see the chequered flag on the opening two Grands Prix resulting from unreliability. At the final race in China, Alonso retired resulting from vibrations brought on by the Honda engine which “lost the feeling” in his fingers and toes.
“The test on the dyno, the vibration is acceptable level, but once we integrate in the actual chassis that vibration is getting much more than the test on the dyno,” stated Watanabe.
“Of course only PU cannot solve the problem, only the PU, so we are really closely together with Aston Martin Aramco to solve the problem, not only the power unit but also together with the chassis.”
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Despite clear issues with the automotive, Alonso is assured Aston Martin will resolve their difficulties and enhance
How can Honda catch up?
Currently, Honda are battling with newcomers Cadillac behind the grid and are over 2.5 seconds off the front-running tempo.
F1’s new 2026 rules sees three intervals of Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) through the season to permit engine producer to catch up.
Teams judged to be a minimum of two per cent behind the producer with the best-performing inner combustion engine are awarded growth alternatives. If the hole is 4 per cent, then groups shall be allowed to make two upgrades in-season, which may apply to Honda.
The first ADUO is because of be after the sixth spherical of the season in Monaco in June, though this will likely change following the cancellations of April’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
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Lance Stroll and Alonso react to Newey’s fears that Aston Martin’s vibration points may trigger ‘everlasting nerve harm’
“Aston Martin Aramco and Honda is not only just F1 constructor and power manufacturer, but also, we are working closely as one team,” stated Watanabe.
“Actually, in our facility in Japan, the engineers from Aston Martin Aramco are really working hard closely with our engineers in Sakura, working together. It’s most important that we can keep moving forward step by step.”
Asked how a lot progress Aston Martin and Honda will make this season, Watanabe stated: “We have some recovery plan together with Aston Martin, but we cannot tell that today.”
Will Wheatley be part of Aston Martin?
Jonathan Wheatley surprisingly left Audi as team principal final week after lower than a 12 months with the outfit, regardless of a respectable begin for Audi following their takeover of Sauber in the beginning of 2026.
Audi cited “personal reasons” because the trigger for Wheatley’s departure and Sky Sports News understands Aston Martin are all in favour of signing the previous Red Bull sporting director to exchange Newey as team principal.
The transfer would allow Newey to completely give attention to automotive issues in his different function as managing technical companion however Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa says the team “must believe in our structure”.
Jonathan Wheatley left Audi final week
He advised Sky Sports F1: “We’re happy with what we have and how we have organised the team. Adrian being the team principal, but he’s more than a team principal, he’s actually a managing technical partner, so that’s going to remain the same.
“I imply, Jonathan has left. We actually should not touch upon issues which can be taking place. We do not know why he has left. We do not know the state of affairs.
“The only thing we know, really, is that we have a team principal, and it’s Adrian Newey, you know? And that will remain unchanged.”
Sky Sports F1’s Japanese GP schedule
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A glance again on the wildest moments caught on the onboard digicam on the Japanese Grand Prix
Saturday March 28
2.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session begins at 2.30am)*
5am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
6am: JAPANESE GP QUALIFYING*
8am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday March 29
4.30am: Japanese GP build-up – Grand Prix Sunday*
6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Japanese GP response – Chequered Flag*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also stay on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to the long-lasting Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, stay on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
