The crisis Honda is currently experiencing in Formula 1 could have repercussions far beyond the Formula 1 paddock. According to several internal sources, the difficulties encountered by the Honda engine in F1 could indirectly affect the MotoGP program, which is currently undergoing a major rebuild.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has started in a very difficult way for Aston Martin F1 Team, now powered by an engine Honda.
During the opening weekend in AustraliaThe problems came to light. The two pilots, Fernando Alonso et Lance StrollThey didn't even finish the race.
The criticism was particularly harsh, especially from the brilliant engineer. Adrian Neweyrecruited to lead Aston Martin to the title.
According to him, the main problem stems from the engine vibrationswhich damage the batteries and are transmitted all the way to the steering wheel.
The description of the phenomenon by Stroll illustrates the scale of the problem:
« I don't see how we could compare them. It's a bit like getting electrocuted while sitting in a chair, no ? »
Winter testing has already raised concerns. During preseason testing in Bahrain:
the Aston Martin powered by Honda The motorized teams covered only 2,111 km Mercedes Benz accumulated 21,551 km those propelled by Classic Ferrari for sale They covered 16,121 km. A huge difference that reveals a major reliability problem.
A joint organization between F1 and MotoGP at Honda
The danger to MotoGP stems from a strategic decision made in 2022 by Honda Racing Corporation : to group the two-wheeled and four-wheeled programs into a single structure. The objective was to create technical synergies and optimize resources.
The president of HRC, Koji watanabehe explained at the time:
« We started using HRC's facilities in Sakura – a development center for Formula 1 engines – also for our two-wheeled projects. The fact that the two-wheel and four-wheel divisions work together is very beneficial »
But today, this organization could become a problem. A manager of Honda close to both divisions acknowledged the situation toMotorsport :
« In MotoGP, this will certainly have an impact. We share the same structure as in F1, and our immediate efforts will be focused on resolving this issue.. »
In other words, human and technical resources could be redirected to F1, at the very moment when Honda was starting to turn things around in MotoGP.
Ironically, this crisis comes at a time when Honda was finally showing encouraging signs in the premier motorcycle category.
Last season, the Japanese brand was the manufacturer that made the most progress, with 35% more points compared to 2024.
During the opening round in Thailand, Joan Mir was even in contention for fifth place before his rear tire exploded.
The situation is all the more delicate as HRC's management is about to change. The upcoming departure of Hikaru Tsukamoto could reshuffle the cards, while the leaders of the MotoGP program, Yuzuri Ishikawa et Taichi Honda, are trying to defend their project.
In Japanese corporate culture, this complicates internal debates.
« It is very unusual for a subordinate to question an order coming from their superiors. »
Just two years ago, Honda was experiencing one of the greatest successes in its history in Formula 1 :
the fourth consecutive world title of Max Verstappen with a motor Honda in Red Bull Racing.
Today, the brand finds itself facing the opposite situation: a crisis in F1 that could hinder its revival in MotoGP.
And in a world of motorsports where resources are limited, the decisions made in Sakura could reshape the future of both programs.
