After introducing its new engine at Zandvoort, Honda is preparing to face a particularly revealing test at Monza. And the engine manufacturer remains cautious.
Read more Ferrari’s brake on Hamilton: Fred Vasseur reveals the refused demands
Honda has no illusions before the Italian Grand Prix. After introducing a significant evolution of its power unit during the previous round at Zandvoort, the Japanese manufacturer will now be able to measure its progress on one of the most demanding circuits of the season for engines.
This new specification allowed Aston Martin to confirm the progress already observed since the introduction of its own upgrades. Fernando Alonso notably finished ninth in the Netherlands, allowing the team to add two points to its tally. But at Monza, where power and top speed play a decisive role, Honda expects a very different challenge.
Monza, the true test for Honda
With its huge straights and only eleven corners, the Italian track features one of the highest full-throttle usage rates on the 2026 calendar. A characteristic that should highlight the strengths, but especially the weaknesses, of the different power units.
“Monza is a unique circuit, with one of the highest full-throttle rates on the 2026 calendar thanks to its long straights and only eleven corners,” explains Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s chief engineer in Formula 1.
The new engine regulations also make energy management particularly important. “On this circuit, how you distribute the limited available energy between these different sections becomes crucial, and this is even more important in qualifying.”
Honda still acknowledges a power deficit
The second specification of the Honda engine allowed a step forward at Zandvoort, but the Japanese manufacturer openly admits that its power unit remains less competitive than those of its main rivals.
This weakness could be particularly visible at Monza, where lap times strongly depend on available power. Honda therefore prefers to temper expectations even before the weekend begins.
“Lap times at Monza are extremely sensitive to power. With the introduction of our specification 2 engine at Zandvoort, we made a step forward in performance, but we must remain realistic for the upcoming weekend because we know we are still behind our competitors in terms of overall power,” acknowledges Orihara.
The priority will not necessarily be the result
However, Aston Martin-Honda is gradually emerging from its difficult situation. After a very complicated start to the championship, the British team has left the bottom of the standings and now hopes to fight more regularly for points.
Read more A contract extension for Lewis Hamilton could complicate Oliver Bearman’s future
Alonso’s ninth place in the Netherlands was another encouraging sign, but Honda does not want to judge its Italian weekend solely by the final result. At Monza, the main objective will be to improve the drivability and consistency of its power unit.
“Our priority at the Italian Grand Prix will be to improve the ease of engine operation,” confirms Orihara.
Significant work done since Zandvoort
Since the Dutch Grand Prix, Honda has multiplied tests on its Sakura engine bench. The manufacturer is particularly seeking to make the operation of its new power unit more predictable for the drivers.
“Since the Dutch Grand Prix, we have worked extensively on the HRC Sakura test bench to make progress in this area and, more specifically, to achieve stable and consistent combustion control,” details the Japanese engineer.
The long acceleration phases at Monza will now offer Honda an ideal opportunity to verify if these modifications produce the expected effects in real conditions.
“At Monza, we will confirm the effects of this work and proceed with new adjustments, which should allow us to be more competitive in the upcoming races.”
An important test for the rest of the season
Honda therefore does not necessarily expect a spectacular result in Italy. The power deficit remains significant enough for the manufacturer to be cautious on such a demanding circuit.
Monza should mainly allow gathering information and refining the second engine specification introduced at Zandvoort. If Honda manages to improve its combustion and the drivability of its power unit, Aston Martin could reap the benefits on more favorable circuits in the upcoming rounds.
The Italian Grand Prix thus promises to be a particularly revealing test for Honda: perhaps not yet one of results, but one that will precisely measure the path remaining to return to the level of the best engine manufacturers.
Read more Andrea Stella explains Oscar Piastri’s difficulties against Lando Norris this season