Verstappen the only Honda driver without replaced engine parts in Portugal

In the longest season in Formula 1 history, with a very limited number of engine parts allowed to be used, reliability may well be the deciding factor in the fight for the world title. Verstappen is still on a par with Mercedes, but his Red Bull colleagues have had to replace parts early on.

On the list of parts used for the Portuguese Grand Prix there is one name that stands out. Yuki Tsunoda is the only driver who is already on his second complete new engine. The battery has even been replaced twice. Tsunoda is therefore already facing a grid penalty if Honda chooses to fit him with a fourth battery.

Honda only has company from Renault

Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez have also had their batteries replaced, making them the only Honda drivers apart from Renault. It is very early in the season to start using new parts already. There are 23 Grands Prix in total and only three of each component can be used.

The fact that Honda is already replacing parts doesn't necessarily mean that the old parts have been written off forever. It is very well possible that some of them will be used again later in the season.