Honda has changed the leadership of its Formula 1 engine programme after a disappointing start to its return to the sport this season.

The Japanese manufacturer, who won four world titles with Red Bull and Max Verstappen from 2021-24, joined forces with Aston Martin as their works engine partner for 2026. But the pair are 10th of 11 teams in the constructors' championship with a best result of ninth for Fernando Alonso at the Dutch Grand Prix.

On Monday, Honda announced that Yoichiro Fukao, the former deputy leader, will become Large Project Leader of the F1 project, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda. The statement said the change ensures reliable transfer of technical expertise to the next generation of engineers.

Honda introduced its first engine upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix, with head of trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara noting a small step forward. However, the lack of performance is said to be worth at least a second of lap time. Alonso was 2.2 seconds off the fastest time in Spanish Grand Prix qualifying. Honda's poor start stems from its 2020 decision to leave F1, which left only a small engineering hub by its 2023 return announcement.