FW17 wrote: ↑01 Sep 2017, 06:01
A 100hp jump over the winter is not going to happen.
Renault has a better chance of bridging most of the 40hp they are behind. Even better they would let them brand it Mclaren.
And they still will be behind the top as Merc has 4 months development time as they are done for this year.
100HP... that you're final guess?
And even if that were the case, it is entirely possible they can make up a majority of that deficit by the Australian GP 2018. I mean we've had bumps of around 15hp since this "Honda power comparison" has been hot topic. We are being told there are future updates coming this year with the largest due in a few races time. It's a feasible stretch to assume the deficit would be halved by seasons end and if Hasegawa is confident they can overthrow Renault by then, well let's see what they can do, I reckon they could at least get mighty close.
Add in the fact they will likely be working overtime on perfecting the engine during the winter break and like I've said before, 2018 will be the first year Honda can finally debut a second generation, without major architectural change, engine since it's return. They'll be able to steam train the development the whole way through without the changes and risks like years prior.
What I assume will be called the RA618H could POTENTIALLY be the engine we have been aching for. Honda used to nickname their PU's, like Erica and Greyhawk in the past, they should call the 618 "Fatebringer"...