Honda already tested strongest engine setting during winter tests in Bahrain

"I believe we exceeded last year’s Mercedes. It depends on the conditions," Tanabe said in an interview with The Race. What exactly the top man means by that is unclear, but it probably involves the outside temperatures and the altitude at which it is driven.

Honda doesn't dare to say that they will have a stronger engine than their German competitor next season. "But we have no idea how much improvement has been done in this off-season on Mercedes’ side. It’s very hard to guess what’s going on and the result of their development. We have no answer yet.”

After next Saturday and Sunday, when the first Grand Prix of the season is held in Bahrain again, Tanabe will be able to say something about it. "We'll see when we start qualifying. And after the race." In any case, the strongest engine mode has already been tried by Honda during the three days of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Tanabe stated he was "happy" with the results in question.