# Honda Power Unit Fails in Mexico GP

> Honda's power unit lasted only five laps at Mexico GP due to high-altitude cooling issues.
- Title: Honda Power Unit Fails in Mexico GP · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Honda's power unit lasted only five laps at Mexico GP due to high-altitude cooling issues. Honda's power unit failed after five laps at Mexico GP due to…
- Keywords: honda, aston martin, mexico gp, power unit, cooling issues, high altitude, formula 1, sports, cars, Power, Unit, Fails
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/the-reason-behind-hondas-power-unit-lasting-five-laps-in-mexico/10871286
- Author: Ben Vinel
- Published: 2026-11-03T13:45:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: honda, aston martin, f1, mexico gp, power unit, cooling issues, high altitude, formula 1, sports, cars
## Mexico GP Power Unit Challenge
Honda's power unit struggled at Mexico City's high altitude during practice and qualifying.
## Aston Martin Retired After Five Laps
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll retired after five laps due to cooling problems.
## High-Altitude Cooling Issues
Honda's ERS cooling circuit faced heavier stress than expected at Mexico City's altitude.
## Power Unit Design Problem
Newer Honda power units lack MGU-H, which reduced turbo lag in previous years.
## Aston Martin's Response
Aston Martin plans to use data from Mexico GP to improve power unit reliability next year.
## Alonso's Performance
Alonso was nearly as quick as Williams' Carlos Sainz despite engine issues.
## Key takeaway

Honda's power unit failed after five laps at Mexico GP due to high-altitude cooling problems.