F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Honda development no longer burdened by 'clean-up' issues

Honda says its improved reliability has greatly reduced the manufacturer's need to spend time on "clean-up" issues, allowing it to focus instead on performance gains.

After several dismal seasons of struggling to get a hold on F1's hybrid technology, Honda started to make significant strides last year when it partnered with Toro Rosso, a precursor to supplying sister outfit Red Bull Racing.

Reliability gains were followed by performance enhancements, delivering three wins to Honda in 2019, milestones which consigned to the past its fastidious and time-consuming troubles.

"I believe we have learned what is a priority for qualifying, or how to win the race," Honda F1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe told Motorsport.com.

"I'm asking Sakura on the Japan side to focus on some key points to improve. We learned a lot.

"On the other hand, reliability is not perfect enough this year, but our reliability is getting much better since last year. It means we can develop positive items, not a countermeasure test or bench test.

"We spent a lot of time on something that was a clean-up test [before].

©RedBull

"Now we can put more time to improve our performance. Then we can think about the more detail with each area.

"I want to keep this momentum for next year. We need to push more to achieve our goal [of fighting for the championship]."

Honda's growth and advancements has allowed to comply with the demanding targets set by Red Bull which in turn has boosted the confidence between the two partners.

"We have regular meetings with Red Bull, Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko], myself and [Sakura R&D chief Yasuaki] Asaki-san," Honda F1 boss Masashi Yamamoto told Autosport.

"There we share our plans and the current situation as well, they share their plan and current position.

"The fact it is almost on the schedule as planned is very important because we have mutual trust in each other, which makes the relationship stronger.

"We are really looking forward to next year."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago