©WRi2
Honda's head of F1 project Yusuke Hasegawa says Mercedes' "engine performance is incredible" but is confident the Japanese manufacturer is gaining.
Mercedes introduced a new specification of power unit at the Belgian Grand Prix, but the upgrade appeared to show an even bigger step forward in performance at Monza. Having seen Mercedes dominate the race, Hasegawa admits it shows just how strong the defending champions' power unit performance is.
"Yeah, always – not only here from the start of the season," Hasegawa said when it was put to him Mercedes seemed to have improved. "Their engine performance is incredible. To make this event much better we have to catch up."
However, when it was suggested it means there is more work than ever required by Honda, Hasegawa replied: "I don’t think so. Power point of view the improvement ratio is not our issue. It’s bigger than Mercedes."
And Hasegawa says he is not too downbeat by the lack of points scored by McLaren at Monza, saying 12th place for Jenson Button was about the position he expected without any reliability issues for the top five teams in the constructors' championship.
"Actually we knew this is the most tough circuit for engine and with our engine power delivery point of view we knew we couldn’t expect a lot. The result is very sad to say but without any accident or retirement of the top teams we thought we couldn’t get a point.
"From that situation we have to appreciate the drivers and the team showed the maximum performance that we could do now. "
Scene at the Italian Grand Prix
GALLERY: Mercedes, Ferrari test Pirelli's 2017-size tyres
2016 Italian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Mercedes may be powering a large chunk of the Formula 1 grid right now, but…
Helmut Marko is closing the chapter on a remarkable 25-year career as Red Bull’s motorsport…
As the dust settles on a thrilling 2025 F1 season, McLaren's Oscar Piastri is keeping…
In an F1 paddock often defined by fierce rivalries and ruthless competition, an unexpected storyline…
In December 1994, Michael Schumacher, fresh off securing his first Formula 1 World Championship, took…
As Formula 1 closes the books on 2025 edges closer to its biggest technical reset…