Honda launches F1 2027 investigation after latest Lance Stroll DNF

Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara revealed that the “root cause” of Lance Stroll’s battery-related DNFs in Brazil is unknown.

As such, an investigation is underway, one which Honda says could take two weeks to complete. This review is of the utmost importance with F1 2027 its clear focus in order to avoid any such gremlins carrying over into next season.

Honda investigating battery issues with F1 2027 in mind

A recurring battery problem forced Stroll to retire from the Brazilian Grand Prix. With that, he recorded a 14th DNF of the season.

This has triggered a major investigation, with F1 2027 implications.

“Yesterday we had a battery issue on Lance’s car, and we had another battery issue today on Lance’s car,” said Orihara after the race.

“At the moment, we know what happened, but we don’t know what is the root cause.

“So we will check the data, and also we will check the battery. It may take a few weeks to find the root cause.

“But from the data, we need to find some counters for next year, and also we need to find the actual root cause of this error for next year, otherwise we’ll keep having the same issue.

“So this is quite important for us to understand what is the root cause.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe was on the ground at Interlagos, Orihara noting that this misbehaving battery was not an ideal occurrence in front of the boss.

Nonetheless, he pointed to the positives of Mibe-san’s presence and the future benefits for the Japanese manufacturer.

“Of course, in front of our CEO Mibe-san, always we are excited and it gives us some passion.

“But on the other hand, we had a battery issue twice this weekend.

“But still, positive point, he knows what is happening at trackside. So I think still this is a positive point.

“He understands what is happening at trackside, so I think he will bring this experience to the Japan side and also boost our development. So I think everything is positive for us.”

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Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack spoke from the team’s side regarding Mibe-san’s presence at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

“I think it was good. It’s always good. So it’s nice to have Honda execs with us.

“I was not part of the meetings because I have another job. But I’m sure that there were good conversations, and we welcome any kind of Honda exec any time to be with us here. It is good that they come to see how the action is like.

“I hope that going forward they will go home with a smile.”

Aston Martin sits 10th in the F1 2026 Constructors’ Championship standings with just three rounds remaining. Williams is one position and five points up the road.

All seven of Aston Martin’s points have been scored through Fernando Alonso, via a P10 in Monaco, P9 at Zandvoort and 8th in Malaysia.

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