Honda chief Masashi Yamamoto says the manufacturer is working “relentlessly” to get its power unit on terms with the pacesetters in Formula 1, and is wary that it still has to undertake substantial progress.
Honda returned to Formula 1 as McLaren’s exclusive supplier in 2015 but its relationship was beset by problems, as the marque struggled for performance and reliability.
A new-for-2017 concept proved the final straw for McLaren amid early season struggles and the parties divorced at the end of the campaign, with Honda instead linking up with Toro Rosso.
Pierre Gasly delivered fourth in Bahrain – Honda’s best race result since its comeback – and while that proved to be the high mark in a season in which Toro Rosso classified ninth, Honda’s progress was noted by rivals.
It introduced a couple of engine updates that delivered performance and reliability gains, with its Spec 3 engine enabling both Gasly and Brendon Hartley to make Q3 in Japan.
Honda’s progress also proved to be the trigger for Red Bull to split from Renault and sign a deal to use the Japanese manufacturer’s power units from 2019.
“Over the course of the year, we improved our PU in terms of performance and reliability, thanks to the huge efforts of our engineers and mechanics,” said Yamamoto in an interview published by Honda.
“We must also acknowledge the important contribution made by engineers working in other areas linked to racing and other Honda products.
“Everyone at Scuderia Toro Rosso and both its drivers played a big part in our development, not just on the technical front, but also thanks to their open-minded and positive attitude and cheerful disposition.
“This was a great boost for all Honda members.
“We established a close and honest relationship, built on mutual respect and that produced some strong performances, such as those in Bahrain, Hungary and our qualifying in Suzuka. For this, our sincere thanks go to the entire team.”
Yamamoto is nonetheless wary of the progress Honda still has to make to get on par with its rivals.
“However, it was clear that our PU is still not at the same level as the very best in terms of performance and there is also room for improvement when it comes to reliability,” he cautioned.
“Next season, we will supply two teams for the first time since we returned to F1 in 2015.
“We must do better and, with that in mind, everyone involved in the project is working relentlessly to be in good shape for pre-season testing in February.
“As we prepare for our second year with Toro Rosso and our first with Red Bull Racing, our aim is to continue to make progress and move up the order.”
