Honda still needs to eliminate circuit dependency
Honda wants to eliminate the variance in its Formula 1 engine's performance from circuit to circuit in 2020, in order to allow customer Red Bull to contend at every venue.

The Japanese manufacturer made a big step forward with its power unit during an encouraging first season supplying Red Bull, as it helped Max Verstappen to victories at the Red Bull Ring, Hockenheim and Interlagos – three circuits that all feature long straights.
Red Bull and Verstappen, who has extended his contract with the outfit through 2023, are hoping to mount their first proper title challenge in the hybrid era this year, and Honda is aware of this ambition.
Asked whether the team should be aiming for its 2020 car to start the season second only to reigning champion Mercedes, Honda's F1 managing director Masashi Yamamoto told Motorsport.com: "We agree with this view. And in order to make it come true, as Honda we have to prepare a good engine.
"This year it was, we don't say 'unstable', but we had a preference in the circuit. We shouldn't have that kind of thing.
"So we can tell to Max 'we are here', good everywhere, in every race. We have to provide that kind of engine, doing good development."
Read Also:
Though Honda seemed to have the edge on Mercedes at some venues in terms of power, as Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly famously showed by outdragging Lewis Hamilton to the finish line in Brazil, Honda remains convinced it ended the season "still behind Ferrari and Mercedes".
And though it has clearly stepped up in terms of power, Yamamoto has primarily credited the improvements in reliability – compared to both Honda's previously shoddy hybrid-era record and Red Bull's struggles with previous engine supplier Renault – in helping Verstappen to a career-best third place in the drivers' championship in 2019.
"I think that what we have given to the team or Max this year compared to the past is probably the reliability of the PU, and then he has more time to set up for the qualifying," Yamamoto said.
"He doesn't need to be worried about the engine breaking up. So he could have more time properly setting up for the race and qualifying.
"And I think that's the reason Max had better result [than 2018] especially."

Previous article
Leclerc reveals Ferrari victory at Monza “gave me chills”
Next article
Denmark's first F1 driver Tom Belso dies

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | Red Bull Racing |
Author | Valentin Khorounzhiy |
Honda still needs to eliminate circuit dependency
Trending
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…