Honda F1 engine upgrade awaits FIA approval for Hungary
Honda is poised to introduce a major power unit upgrade for McLaren, but its deployment depends on a green light from the FIA at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in Mexico.
Honda's Formula One power unit upgrade for McLaren is ready to be deployed, but the company is waiting for the FIA to approve an extra engine allocation before it can be introduced without penalty. The decision is expected at the upcoming World Motor Sport Council meeting in Mexico.
McLaren's 2015 season has been hampered by the performance deficit of its Honda power unit, with reliability problems compounding the team's struggles. Jenson Button, who has previously raced with Honda, said the team is working through issues but now needs to focus on extracting more performance from the engine. "Reliability is something we always look for, but the priority now is performance," Honda's Yasuhisa Arai told Spanish daily Marca.
The FIA is set to rule on whether Honda can use an additional power unit this season without incurring grid penalties. The move would allow Honda to introduce a heavily revised engine, developed using the sport's 'token' system, as soon as the Hungarian Grand Prix. The upgrade is expected to address both power output and efficiency, areas where McLaren-Honda has lagged behind rivals.
Pressure mounts on Honda and McLaren
The delay in rolling out the upgrade has increased pressure on Honda's F1 chief Yasuhisa Arai and McLaren team boss Eric Boullier. Button said Boullier remains highly respected within the team and is working to keep morale up during a difficult period. Both Honda and McLaren are keen to avoid writing off another season, with Button stressing the importance of immediate progress.
The outcome of the FIA meeting will determine whether McLaren-Honda can close the gap to the front runners or spend another season struggling with underpowered machinery. For further background on Honda's reliability and performance challenges, seeNew Honda Powerful But Unreliable Report.
