Honda urge staff to be more experimental

Shuhei Nakamoto believes that a new philosophy of experiment - instilled into the team since he was promoted in June - paid dividends in helping the Japanese car manufacturer turn around what had until then been a disappointing campaign.

And he wants the team's younger staff members to continue speaking up with fresh ideas - rather than be afraid to put forward concepts for fear of failure.

"We flattened the organisation so that everyone working in (each) department can talk freely about their ideas and opinions," said Nakamoto about the changes he put in place this year.

"As long as an idea is theoretically correct and considered useful, we will discuss it - even if it comes from an inexperienced staff member. But they have to take responsibility for the ideas they provide. That is the Honda way.

"Another thing I always tell the young staff is that they shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes. The failures will eventually improve our know-how.

"The important thing is to use that know-how correctly to make the next step forward. I kept telling them this.

"As a result, young people started to speak up and contribute more, which I believe was reflected in the gradual improvement in our performance.

"The lap time difference between us and the top teams in the middle part of the season was reduced by half at the end of the season."

He added: "I am happy about this, because it provides proof that the Honda Spirit of 'never be afraid, never give up' is penetrated thoroughly into the team.

"What Honda disapproves of is 'no action, no error'. I want all our staff to always keep the philosophy in mind."

Nakamoto took over the technical department in a mid-season team reshuffle that saw the departure of Geoff Willis from the Japanese outfit.