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Yasuaki Asaki interviewed by Tsuyoshi Kawarada
An excerpt from the interview with Asaki on raising the next generation Honda F1 engineers.
[Leaders Who Break Through the Limitation Theory]
However, looking at the fifth term, which started with Aston Martin, the know-how and technical accumulation from the Red Bull and Honda era have been inherited, and it doesn't seem like continuous development has been possible.
It's only natural that some people say, 'Maybe it's the limit for Japanese salaried workers to continue their F1 activities far from Europe......' Such challenges are being faced by HRC, Honda R&D Institute, and Honda headquarters.
But I hope leaders emerge who can break through that limitation theory. I believe the significance of Honda's entry into F1 lies in nurturing and discovering talent to overcome the company's crisis.
At HRC Sakura (Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture), where research and development related to Honda's motorsports activities is conducted, hundreds of employees are involved in the development of F1 PUs. My hypothesis is that from those who have gained confidence in becoming the world's best in F1, where automakers worldwide compete in the ultimate development race, talented and talented individuals will emerge and save the day.
I hope that even just one such person from HRC Sakura will come forward.
When a company faces a crisis and falls apart, you have no choice but to rely on people who have sharp sense and skills but are treated as "eccentrics" with one or two quirks. By entrusting work to such eccentric individuals, they develop groundbreaking products that change the world and achieve remarkable feat such as becoming number one in Japan or the world. That's how Honda has grown.
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[The Significance of Honda's Entry into F1]
Even now, within Honda, there must be people with strong preferences who are difficult to handle but highly capable but are buried. I believe that now, in this critical situation, is the time to bring such talent to the forefront.
I believe that when such people suddenly emerge, become leaders, and deliver results, Honda will have the meaning of entering F1 for the first time. Even if such people do not emerge, the current leaders may be able to rebuild their difficult situation on their own. It is worth it in itself.
If we can't win like this, I don't know why we're even competing in F1. This season's F1 has clearly proven that Honda's PU is no good. But if we analyze the reasons ourselves, rebuild ourselves, and win again, we can grow significantly as engineers.
In the second half of the season, I want to see my juniors fighting with confidence. I'm sure they'll do it.
