Can Honda compete with Mercedes? We must maximise efficiency´´

Red Bull Racing was satisfied with a second place for Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix, but at Spa-Francorchamps will have to come up with a better package if it wants to finish between the Mercedes drivers.

Can Honda compete with Mercedes?

For the Belgian Grand Prix, the engine is essential. With the long straights and curves at high speed, Honda has to deliver the power to stay close to the Mercedes drivers. The Japanese have clearly taken steps, but know that it will be a tough task in the Ardennes.

"After a weekend without a race, we are now starting a triple-header again, with the first two races, in Belgium and Italy, actually taking place on their original dates. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the classics on the calendar, which is considered to be a circuit where the driver can make the difference'', Toyoharu Tanabe says in the preview of Honda.

Training essential for Honda

''The circuit offers different types of corners, from the slow first hairpin corner to the famous fast Eau Rouge-Raidillon and corners like Blanchimont. It is also a circuit where engine power is tested and where energy management is also very important over the 7 kilometre length''.

According to Tanabe, the difference can mainly be made during the training sessions. ''The key is to maximise overall efficiency. We use every practice session to have the right balance between using and conserving electrical energy'', concludes the Japanese who proudly watched Takuma Sato's Indy 500 victory with a Honda engine.