Formula 1

Three Engine Rule for 2018 Unreasonable, Says Former Honda Chief Hasegawa

1 Mins read
Credit: Steven Tee/McLaren

The former Head of Honda’s F1 Project, Yusuke Hasegawa, believes the decision to reduce the limit of permitted engines in Formula 1 from four to three in 2018 is not reasonable, and technically will be extremely difficult to manage.

The decision was made to reduce the number of power units on cost grounds, but with teams struggling to go through 2017 with just the four units, and with an additional round on the schedule in 2018, Hasegawa believes it was not the right move to go to three, even if he feels the Honda unit has seen improvements during the past twelve months.

“It’s very tough,” said Hasegawa. “It’s not just for us. Renault had difficulties. I don’t think it’s reasonable. From a technical point of view, it’s difficult. If we save the engine performance, it’s easy to achieve. If we use 2000rpm lower, of course we can finish, but there’s no point.

“At this moment, we need to concentrate on reliability, to get an engine to do seven races. But we need to improve performance too. It’s good we have a baseline. We need to confirm the current engine is OK. As soon as we confirm that, we’ll do the next step.”

Hasegawa also feels the switch to three units will benefit those with Mercedes and Ferrari power in particular, and it means the initial engine, which will be for their new partners at Scuderia Toro Rosso, must be good as there is only scope for two penalty-free upgrades throughout the year.

“As a consequence, yes,” said Hasegawa. “We have discussed many times. With three engines, it means we only have two chances to introduce a new [upgraded] engine.

“We need to introduce a good engine at the start, but if we don’t, we only have two chances to introduce a new engine. Reducing cost is important, so I support cost reduction.”

13769 posts

About author
Long time motorsport fanatic, covering Formula 1 and the occassional other series. Feel free to give him a follow on Twitter at @Paul11MSport.
Articles
Related posts
British GTBTCCFeaturesFIA WECFIA World Rally ChampionshipFIA World RallycrossFormula 1Porsche Carrera Cup GBPorsche Mobil 1 Supercup

A Farewell Message from The Checkered Flag

4 Mins read
After 15 years of motorsport coverage, TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk announces its closure. What began as a passion project in 2009 grew into a respected voice in motorsport journalism. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Formula 1

2024 United States Grand Prix: Championship Rivals Start on Front Row

3 Mins read
Lando Norris secures pole positon in an action packed qualifying session in Austin.
Formula 1

2024 United States Grand Prix: Verstappen Secures Sprint Win

2 Mins read
Max Verstappen returns to winning ways with victory in the 2024 United States Grand Prix Sprint race.