Honda detail 'important target' for Canadian GP after key breakthrough

Honda has outlined its “important target” for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, round five of the 2026 F1 season, as the Japanese manufacturer continues its return to the sport with Aston Martin.

After a difficult start plagued by reliability issues, Honda achieved its first double finish in Miami, giving the team a foundation to build on. Now, the focus shifts to extracting more performance from the power unit.

Why it matters:

Honda's progress is critical for Aston Martin's competitiveness. The team has spent the opening rounds near the back of the grid, and unlocking driveability and energy management could be the key to moving up the order. With the Sprint format in Montreal limiting track time, every session counts.

The details:

• Chief engineer Shintaro Orihara emphasized improving driveability and energy management to help drivers enter corners faster and carry more speed, directly translating to lap time.
• The Sprint weekend means only 60 minutes of practice (FP1) before competitive sessions, placing a premium on data collection and optimization.
• Circuit challenges: Montreal features long straights that demand precise energy deployment, plus slow-speed corners requiring accurate MGU-K delivery and torque control.
• Weather factor: Possible wet conditions and cooler temperatures could complicate grip, making driveability even more critical.
• Honda's double finish in Miami marked a reliability breakthrough, but the focus now is on performance gains.

What's next:

If Honda can successfully implement its energy management improvements and give drivers more confidence, Aston Martin could begin to climb the order. However, the tight Sprint schedule leaves little room for error in Montreal.