F1 News

Honda boss knows: 'We can't afford to make mistakes'

4 November 2021 at 09:50
Last update 4 November 2021 at 11:16
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  • GPblog.com

The Honda engine has proven to be very reliable this season. Not only is Red Bull's engine fast this year, it also has hardly any faults. Neither Max Verstappen nor Sergio Perez have ever been forced to retire because of a broken power unit. For Red Bull fans it is to be hoped that there will be no more bad luck in Mexico.

Reliability more important than ever

With the finish line of the season increasingly in sight, Honda chief Toyoharu Tanabe is also aware that reliability is more important than ever. "We can't afford to make any mistakes," says the Japanese man in a preview of the race in Mexico. On The site of Honda F1, he states: "The fight for the two championship titles is very close and every race counts and we hope to perform well here this weekend."

The biggest challenge for the engine supplier is the height of the circuit. The Hermanos Rodriguez circuit sits at 2,300 metres above sea level, by far the highest of any venue on the F1 calendar. "The altitude means air pressure is much lower and the air is less dense than at sea level, which affects many aspects of the Power Unit and chassis. Specifically, the effectiveness of the turbine is less than at low altitude, while the aero efficiency and cooling effect of the air are also reduced. Therefore the PU and chassis require a different set-up to normal with a specific calibration of the PU. We will optimise out settings from past data from actual running during free practice over the weekend."

Honda is obviously keen to perform at its best in Mexico. Not only to maintain their championship aspirations but also because it is Sergio Perez's home race, according to Tanabe.