Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa says that the manufacturer “will do everything” it can in order to supply partner McLaren with a power unit capable of fighting at the sharp end of the Formula 1 grid.
The relationship between McLaren and Honda has come under scrutiny in 2017, due to a lack of reliability and performance, with the team currently occupying last in the Constructors' Championship, yet to score a point.
McLaren boss Zak Brown commented earlier in the week that the squad has options for 2018, believing current partner Honda to be lost, and that changes need to take place.
Hasegawa, speaking at the Canadian Grand Prix, after more problems during practice for Fernando Alonso (hydraulics leak) and Stoffel Vandoorne (MGU-H), emphasised Honda needs to make progress.
“From the results point of view of course we need much improvement, from the performance and the reliability point of view,” he said.
“So, yeah, we will do everything. We need to do everything.
“It is obvious we are frustrated with the current situation and we are disappointed with our team result, so there is no wonder there are some complaining comments [from McLaren].
“But the things we can do is try our very best for the team, and we are still aiming to go the same direction.”
One source of Brown’s frustration was down to Honda's expected upgrade package for the Canadian Grand Prix not being ready in time.
“Unfortunately, it has not happened here,” Hasegawa said.
“So, still we are trying hard in Japan, and so as soon as it is ready, we will introduce it.”
On whether it could be ready for upcoming events in Azerbaijan or Austria, he said: “It’s too early to say. So, I don’t give up but I can’t promise.”
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