Honda holding out for big F1 engine development token spend
Honda wants to use its remaining Formula 1 engine development tokens for a limited number of very substantial upgrades rather than multiple small steps, according to motorsport chief Yusuke Hasegawa
Honda wants to use its remaining Formula 1 engine development tokens for a limited number of very substantial upgrades rather than multiple small steps, according to motorsport chief Yusuke Hasegawa.
McLaren's works partner is the only manufacturer to have not spent any of its engine tokens since the 2016 season started.
Renault, which will introduce a major upgrade soon, used one for Bahrain while Mercedes and Ferrari spent two and three respectively for Russia.
"Of course we keep developing, we just have to decide when we can expect to introduce the new technology or tokens," Hasegawa said.
"We have some tokens, but it's still limited and we don't want to use them for tiny steps, from a tactical point of view.
"We'd like to use tokens effectively rather than gradually.
"We need to see the exact result of the development. I hope it is a big step forward.
"I heard some of the items are very promising but before we get it I don't know the exact benefit.
"The ICE [combustion engine] and ERS are being focused on."
The World Motor Sport Council recently ratified new regulations that will mean the token system is abolished at the end of the season.
It is part of a push for power convergence and Hasegawa says Honda is pleased with the decision.
"I'm happy that F1 is removing tokens for 2017 but it will be a major challenge for the engineers," he said.
"We can have more freedom for development, which is good.
"Cost reduction is very tough for every engine manufacturer so we're happy."
Plans to boost the engine noise involve the implementation of a standard power unit exhaust generator.
Hasegawa is unsure whether F1 needs such a device but is in favour if that is what fans want.
"I don't know if we need such a huge noise for Formula 1," he said.
"But if the fans want to introduce it then we'll follow their opinions.
"We have a level of obligation as F1 members to follow what the fans want."
TOKEN SPEND SO FAR THIS SEASON
Ferrari 26 (6 remaining)
Mercedes 21 (11 remaining)
Honda 18 (14 remaining)
Renault 8 (24 remaining)
Previous article
F1's performance pecking order revealed
Next article
Haas F1 team adds new rear wing to Spanish GP upgrade package
The squandered potential of a 70s F1 underdog
A podium finisher in its first outing but then never again, the BRM P201 was a classic case of an opportunity squandered by disorganisation and complacency, says STUART CODLING
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
How Verstappen is ruining his F1 title battle with Hamilton
OPINION: The Italian GP clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followed a running theme in the 2021 Formula 1 title fight. Their close-quarters battles have often resulted in contact - and although Hamilton has shown a willingness to back off, Verstappen must learn to temper his aggression
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Two drivers produced maximum-score performances as, for the second year in a row, Monza threw up an unpredictable result that left several others ruing what might have been
Why Ricciardo was set for Monza F1 triumph even without Verstappen/Hamilton crash
The clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was the major flashpoint the 2021 Italian Grand Prix will be remembered for. Yet by this point, race leader Daniel Ricciardo had already done the hard work that would put him in position to end his and McLaren's lengthy win droughts, on a memorable afternoon in Monza
