Honda returned as a full works power unit supplier this year with high expectations after its title-winning run with Red Bull, but Aston Martin has struggled through the opening seven rounds.
The team sits 10th in the constructors’ championship, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll left chasing both reliability and performance as the new partnership finds its feet.
Speaking to F1.com, Watanabe said Honda’s current problems cannot be compared directly with its previous success at Red Bull.
“It is important to recognise that the current situation is fundamentally different from the time we worked together with Red Bull,” Watanabe said.
“The regulation is quite difficult, it is a new partnership with Aston Martin, the fuel is Aramco – and a new partner – and the lubricant is Valvoline, [which is also] new.
“So everything [is] new for us and it’s not easy.”
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Honda’s challenge has also been shaped by its earlier decision to leave F1 at the end of 2021.
Although it continued to support Red Bull’s power units through to the end of 2025, its full works program had to be rebuilt after engineers were moved back into other areas of Honda.
Watanabe said that delay had been a major factor in the company’s slow start to the new regulations.
“The recovery from the delay caused by our previous withdrawal has taken time,” he said.
“So the late start of development, as well as the time required to rebuild necessary capacities and capabilities and bring back the required talent have been a significant factor.”
Honda has spent much of the early season addressing reliability concerns, including vibration issues, before being able to put more focus into outright performance.
An upgrade aimed at strengthening the internal combustion engine is planned for the summer, though Watanabe cautioned it will not transform Aston Martin’s form immediately.
“It will not dramatically change the situation overnight so our approach is unchanged and we will continue to work with a long-term perspective,” Watanabe said.
Aston Martin is also preparing a major aerodynamic update before the summer break, having held back from regular race-by-race upgrades since the start of the season.
The team is still bedding in several major changes at once, including its Honda power unit, new gearbox, expanded technical structure and new facilities.
Despite the poor start, Watanabe said Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll remains convinced Honda can help turn the project around.
“He strongly believes in Honda’s capability,” he said.
“Of course, he’s not satisfied and I’m not satisfied with the current situation but we discuss often how we can recover the current situation, including the PU performance and the chassis performance and team operation and everything to return to the position where we want.”
Watanabe also insisted Honda’s commitment to F1 remains firm.
“There is no change in our evaluation or our commitment to HRC or motorsport activities at this stage,” he added.
“Taking the challenge of Formula 1 remains part of Honda’s DNA – and it has not changed.
“We have a long-term commitment.”
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