Honda: "Get the maximum out of the engine to minimise gap with Mercedes"

Honda's engines have been replaced several times this year. Compared to the other teams it seems that Honda has a different strategy around the use of the power units. Also this weekend Honda will replace the Red Bull Racing engines. However, Toyoharu Tanabe, technical director of Honda F1, does not expect Honda to lag behind the other suppliers.

"It's hard to answer the problems we're facing. We have problems with low pressure and high pressure on the engine. We haven't done anything special with the engine so it's still unclear where the problems are coming from," Tanabe explains to the Japanese AS, about the electrical problems they encountered in the first Grands Prix.

"Solving the problems is pretty complicated. We have problems that are easy to solve because we'll soon find out. However, we also found other problems while investigating the problems," says Tanabe. The Honda of Max Verstappen still seems to lag behind Mercedes, also during qualifying. According to Tanabe, that difference can be explained.

"During qualifying, you have to look for the balance between performance and durability. As we're only allowed to use two to three engine parts during the whole season, so we have to look closely at how much you can ask of the engine. I want to get the most out of the bike to minimise the difference with the top," concludes Tanabe.