Honda makes changes to F1 engine to avoid repeat of Verstappen’s issues

Honda has taken steps by applying “countermeasures” to its F1 engines to try and avoid a repeat of the issues Max Verstappen suffered at the Tuscan GP.
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16.
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16.
© xpbimages.com

Honda has taken steps by applying “countermeasures” to its Formula 1 engines to try and avoid a repeat of the issues Max Verstappen suffered at the Tuscan Grand Prix.

Verstappen was taken out in a collision on the first lap of F1’s first-ever race at Mugello after he suddenly lost power following his initial strong launch at the start and ended up being swamped by the field on the run to Turn 1.

The Dutchman had reported a potential problem on the grid before the race and was frustrated to suffer his second power-unit related issue in two races, having also retired from the Italian Grand Prix.

In response to the problem, Honda has made changes to the electrics and software elements of its engine after suspecting a combination of factors ultimately caused the issue, rather than being related to the MGU-K or the MGU-H – the main components of the power unit.

"Using the time since Mugello, our priority has been to carefully analyse the reason for Max's retirement in that race,” Honda’s F1 technical director Toyoharu Tanabe said ahead of this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.

"Our investigation revealed that several factors caused the problem and we have been able to apply countermeasures to deal with each of these, with the aim of ensuring the fault does not happen again."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner revealed after Mugello that he was planning to sit down and discuss the recent issues with Verstappen before heading to Sochi after he was left frustrated by the situation.

Honda will also introduce its final planned new power unit elements of the season for its drivers at this weekend’s race.

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