2
Honda is still struggling to find the source of their consistent reliability problems, as the MGU-H has suffered a number of problems this year. The component converts heat from the exhaust into electrical power and has been hindering the Japanese manufacturer all season.
"We need to improve this situation," Honda F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa told Racer. "Although we had the result we can run on dyno, on circuit, we had many issues. So we need to modify. It's just a modification. It's already testing. It's going in the right direction. We're supposed to bring some different modifications for Canada, but we don't want to change, we want to keep [the current MGU-H] unless we have a problem. Still it is not targeted mileage."
Honda Admits Development Struggles with 2026 ICE
Is Aston Martin Following Ferrari? “Honda Not on Schedule for 2026 Either”
What makes it harder on McLaren, who are the only team currently running with Honda power, is that the chassis appears to be relatively competitive as the MCL32 progressed into Q3 in Spain and Monaco this season.
"It's reasonably good. Unless we didn't get any penalty, definitely we had a chance to get a point or maybe higher," added Hasegawa. "I think we could have got points with both cars. It's very frustrating. The penalty was everything, on both cars, especially Jenson. We're very disappointed to give him the grid penalty."
Hasegawa confirmed that they are hoping to bring some upgrades to Canada next weekend, but it will be a very tight as to whether or not they will run with them around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
"I don't give up and we are trying very hard but until Thursday, I can't decide," said Hasegawa. "Maybe we stick with the next step of the engine, even if the next step up is very small, or can we try another step up in performance? It's very tight to introduce a big update for Canada. The ICE is the biggest area we need to improve."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
162 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (2)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I'm embarrassed for them
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Maybe it is better to follow Renault's example, wait a while longer and provide a greater upgrade then. In Honda's defense, they have more or less provided smaller upgrades to their package to every race so far (not exactly parts, but new configurations of the engines and such, the one for Spain improved drivability quite alot apparently), so they are trying. But trying doesnt make you competitive. If they want to stay with McLaren they will have to deliver results soon. Im all for playing the long game, Im all for patience, but McLaren cannot afford to wait much longer.