The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has taken a significant step with the update of the engine used in Formula 1. Koji Watanabe, president of HRC, has admitted that this recent improvement has allowed vehicle driving to be very close to the performance of the first specification, which presented various challenges.
Since its return to competition, Honda has faced numerous challenges due to technical regulations involving engines with nearly 50% electric power. This scenario has affected the reliability and performance of the cars, including the AMR26 model designed by Adrian Newey.
According to Watanabe, although improvements to the chassis and engine have significantly increased Aston Martin’s performance, there are still power issues against competitors. ‘Our goal with Spec 2 was to reduce this gap by increasing power,’ he explained. However, he himself acknowledged that driving has returned to a level similar to that of Spec 1, partly due to changes in the combustion process.
Drivers, including Fernando Alonso, have also noticed a regression in the driving experience, which has been affected by turbo lag and unexpected gear shifts. This has led Honda to consider improvements in both the engine components and the long-term control systems.
Watanabe noted that delays in development have been a key factor in the Japanese manufacturer’s difficulties in competing at the highest level. After parting ways with Red Bull in 2021, it was necessary to establish a new development team, which required more time than desired.
Despite these challenges, Watanabe remains optimistic about Honda’s future, emphasizing that despite the limitations, driving performance is improving. Undoubtedly, Honda must continue working to elevate its competitive level in Formula 1.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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