Honda’s main objective at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend will be to improve the drivability of its engine. The updated power unit debuted in Zandvoort, while the Japanese manufacturer continues trying to regain ground after the difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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The work will be even more important given the characteristics of Monza, a circuit with long straights and high power demand. Honda acknowledges that it is still behind rivals in this aspect: “Monza is a unique circuit, with one of the highest proportions of total acceleration on the 2026 calendar, with its long straights and only 11 corners,” said Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s F1 chief engineer.
“On this track, the way you distribute the limited energy along these sections becomes crucial, and this is especially amplified in qualifying. Lap times at Monza are highly sensitive to power. With the introduction of our spec 2 engine in Zandvoort, we took a step forward in terms of performance, but we need to be realistic about the upcoming weekend, as we know we are still behind our competitors in overall power.”
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Although Fernando Alonso finished ninth at the Dutch GP, securing points for Aston Martin, the team does not prioritize the result at Monza. “Our main focus at the Italian Grand Prix is to improve drivability,” said Orihara. “Since the Dutch Grand Prix, we have been working hard on the HRC Sakura dynamometer to improve this and, specifically, to achieve stable and consistent combustion control. At Monza, we will be confirming the effect of this work and making additional adjustments, which will give us more competitiveness in the upcoming races,” he concluded.
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