Its funny because back in September 15 this was the accepted "truth"
Is Honda's hybrid system the engine's only problem?
Beyond the hybrid system's shortcomings, Honda's internal combustion engine (ICE) is also lacking compared to the best units from Mercedes and Ferrari.
By how much, however, not all agree.
Mercedes is said to have a significant advantage, just on the ICE, of 10-15bhp over Ferrari and as much as 50-70bhp over Renault.
Arai has said he believes Honda's ICE is in the region of 20-25bhp more powerful than Renault's. Other engineers say that the two are very close, that Honda was perhaps marginally ahead before an upgrade in July moved Renault back in front by about 25bhp.
So assuming that Honda now have sorted out their ERS (quote previously stated their system is as good as Mercedes) that should mean their PU is pretty much equal with Renault and maybe around 50bhp behind Mercedes.
There is no reason then that Mclaren should not be matching RBR for laptime.
Good to hear that Honda think they are sorted and even better to hear that they want to supply another team.
Mercedes probably got more mileage on their PU during pre season testing 2014 than Honda have had to date.