Ericsson: Honda engine "a lot stronger" than people think

They might have the weakest engine in terms of horsepower, but Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson has revealed that the Honda Formula One engine is actually a lot stronger than people think.

Honda are set to introduce a new spec to their engine at the American Grand Prix later this year, and that spec is reportedly good for 35 more horsepower, bringing their total up to 750, overtaking Renault.

However, their current engine is not to be underrated. Toro Rosso, the sole team who is powered by Honda, managed a points finish at Monza two weeks ago, even though Monza is famously very power-heavy. That's exactly why Ericsson thinks Honda shouldn't be overlooked.

"I was in the DRS [zone] of Gasly and I couldn't overtake him, I couldn't even get close," the Swede told Motorsport.

Honda's technical director Toyoharu Tanabe was also positive about his product, saying the result from Pierre Gasly in Italy was indeed very motivating for the Japanese.

"As a package, including the energy management, it worked well," Tanabe told Motorsport.