AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly says his years of collaboration with Honda have taught him many things about the Japanese manufacturer and its work culture, including the value of respect.
The French driver is on the eve of his fifth full season in F1, all of which were spent with a Honda engines in his back, either with Red Bull or Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri.
But Gasly's relationship with the Japanese manufacturer started in 2017 when Red Bull sent him to Japan to compete in the competitive Super Formula series, an experience that brought him more than a runner-up spot in the championship with Team Mugen.
"Japan was a wonderful experience for me, in every respect," Gasly told Speedweek.
"Not only did I find it enriching to drive in this racing series, I also found it exciting for me as a person to get to know such a fascinating culture.
"I was deeply impressed by the values that are cherished in Japan, and when I came back to Europe, I raved to my family and friends about what aspects of Japanese life we should adopt here."
While his communication with Honda's engineers was predictably hampered by the language barrier, Gasly learned a lot from his early collaboration with the manufacturer.
"I had a translator in the garage," he recalled. "Luckily my race engineer spoke English.
"That was completely new for me. It wasn't easy to convey to the team exactly what I needed from the car, and conversely it wasn't easy for the technicians to explain to me at great length what they expected from me.
"I learned from working with the Japanese that dedication, know-how and passion are enormous at Honda. But the relationship is different.
"Sometimes you can't be as direct with a Japanese as you can with a French, English or Italian. But as soon as you understand how to deal with the Japanese, the cooperation is characterized by efficiency and professionalism."
Although Honda's operational and communication modes in F1 are now well established with both Red Bull and AlphaTauri, Gasly plays down the culture differences that exist between his team and its engine partner as he sees himself first and foremost as a team player.
"For me, the origin and culture of engine technicians do not matter as far as the influence of the driver is concerned," he said.
"I see myself as a soccer player – with ten other players. I have to make sure I fit into the team so everyone can play well.
"It is very important to create a positive environment in which everyone supports each other. A driver has to support the morale of the team."
And a key ingredient of that positive environment with Honda, according to Gasly, is upholding a sense of respect towards his team's engine partner.
"For the Japanese, respect plays a fundamental role," he added. "They want to feel that their work is valued and that they are involved in every step. I can understand all that. Maybe that's why I enjoy working together so much."
As for his best memory to date of his collaboration with Honda, Gasly predictably points to his shock win in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 2020.
"My best moment with Honda was winning Monza 2020. It was our squad’s 50th Grand Prix with Honda.
"No matter what else happens in my career, I won my first Grand Prix with Honda, that makes me proud and nobody can take that away from me. That was fabulous!"
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