RacingNews365 reports that Honda may tentatively enter the 2026 F1 power unit supplier.
The 2026 F1 power unit regulations require hybrid V6 units producing around 1000bhp to be split roughly 50/50 between electrified systems and sustainable fuel-driven internal combustion engines.
Power unit suppliers contracted to enter the 2026 next-generation F1 engine regulations closed on October 15th, but it is understood that Audi was the only one who submitted until that date.
The original entry date has been extended by a month, with two more PU suppliers (believed to be Alpine and Red Bull Powertrains) submitting entries by the revised deadline, with Paddock sources saying Mercedes might enter earlier this week. suggesting to submit
RacingNews365 reports that the deadline has been extended by another month, with up to seven brands potentially participating in the championship under next-gen regulations.
Currently on hold are Ferrari, Honda and Porsche.
Honda is said to be likely to work with Red Bull by providing hybrid technology for internal combustion engines built by Red Bull Powertrains.
Honda has announced that it will withdraw from F1 at the end of 2021, citing carbon neutrality, but will supply F1 power units to both former partners Red Bull and AlphaTauri from its facility in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, which has changed its name to HRC. From the Japanese GP onwards, the HONDA logo is placed at the position of the machine’s engine, instead of the alternate name HRC.
Speculation is growing that Honda might work with Red Bull Powertrains to develop advanced energy recovery and deployment systems.
In addition, Honda will still submit a formal entry on a provisional basis to provisionally secure the F1 power unit quota for 2026, and Honda may announce its next-generation intentions at a press conference scheduled in Tochigi this week. There is, reports RacingNews365.
Porsche, meanwhile, remains in limbo following talks fell apart with Red Bull, with FIA president Mohamed bin Sulayem recently saying he was still “talking to the team” but no further announcements yet.
Given that both companies form part of the broader VW group, therefore, the interim You may submit an entry.
However, they have previously competed fiercely in the WEC using different PU concepts with less common technology, and it is said that the love between the brands is not lost.
Ferrari is another matter. F1 (or vice versa) without the Scuderia is unthinkable, so that entry question might be resolved sooner or later.
Sources say Ferrari has formed an alliance with some of its existing F1 power unit suppliers to oppose some sporting and technical restrictions.
A Ferrari spokesperson has neither confirmed nor denied that this is the case, but said: “There are still some internal discussions going on and we don’t want these things to distract us from this weekend.” told RacingNews365 over the weekend.
So by this weekend, F1 would have at least four committed F1 power unit suppliers for 2026 (Alpine, Audi, Red Bull and Mercedes), with Ferrari likely to confirm its entry by mid-December. , making a total of five.
Whether that number increases to six or seven is up to Honda and Porsche.
