Honda is changing its F1 power unit development structure, with Fukao Yoichiro (深尾洋一郎) set to become the new LPL. A plan for passing on and transitioning next-generation technology ahead of Honda's return to F1 in 2026 has been announced.
Honda Racing announced that it will review its F1 power unit development structure from October. Fukao Yoichiro (深尾洋一郎) is scheduled to become the new LPL, with the LPL changing from Tsunoda Tetsushi (角田哲史), who has led the organization to date.
Honda will officially return to F1 in 2026 and compete with Aston Martin as its partner. After continuing to struggle from the start of this season, Honda is seeking to strengthen the organization through this personnel change as it advances power unit optimization.
The announcement states that the objective is “a planned transition with a view to ensuring the transfer of technology to the next generation,” and that the company will establish a structure at an early stage to address the new regulations introduced in 2026 and rule changes from 2027 onward.
Fukao Yoichiro (深尾洋一郎) has held positions including head of control systems development for the F1 project since his time at Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and will be promoted from his current role as assistant LPL. Attention is now focused on accelerating power unit development and transitioning to the new structure.
(The above account is based primarily on reporting by the Japanese edition of motorsport.com and includes official comments issued on the same day.)