- Login or Register
No account yet? Sign up
I do not think that Mercedes and Ferrari will make such a big improvement in the winter break as Honda.Sieper wrote: ↑12 Oct 2018, 14:58Fullly agree. This is also what Max Verstappen has stated on a number of occasions, that he hopes that by second half next season he can battle (not saying on fully equal terms or so, just battle with them) with the top two and usually his estimates are reliable, eg, not over enthusiastic nor downplaying.
Then again, this is long(ish) term, If Merc (and Fer) make just such a big step as Honda is now seemingly making then they won't come closer at all, like over the last years with Renault. But I do believe in the Honda project.
I actually think Honda will be in the mix at the start of the year. I think it'll be down to who nails the aero changes between the top three teams.godlameroso wrote: ↑12 Oct 2018, 13:26It's not at the level of Mercedes yet. By next year they'll be the closest they've ever been in this turbo hybrid era. Red Bull will be in the mix to win races in the second half of next year. Until then they'll pretty much hold course, maybe close the gap by a few tenths, so that the top two are still just out of reach.
As far as aero, I'm not sold on it being a huge change. Cars will have more drag, and more rear biased downforce, but the overall concept isn't changing drastically. The mid wing/bargeboards is still there, and although the leading edge of the bargeboards is shorter, the rest of it will be more complex than ever.dren wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 13:07I actually think Honda will be in the mix at the start of the year. I think it'll be down to who nails the aero changes between the top three teams.godlameroso wrote: ↑12 Oct 2018, 13:26It's not at the level of Mercedes yet. By next year they'll be the closest they've ever been in this turbo hybrid era. Red Bull will be in the mix to win races in the second half of next year. Until then they'll pretty much hold course, maybe close the gap by a few tenths, so that the top two are still just out of reach.
Isn't it more so that chasing cars don't suffer from as much dirty air or wash out from being too close? To improve the "racing"... I think the drivers said it best that since the cars and tires are now wider there is less room to overtake thus less racing. Many of the corners are now consider flat out straights, and battles in the corners lead to better racing.godlameroso wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 13:53As far as aero, I'm not sold on it being a huge change. Cars will have more drag, and more rear biased downforce, but the overall concept isn't changing drastically. The mid wing/bargeboards is still there, and although the leading edge of the bargeboards is shorter, the rest of it will be more complex than ever.dren wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 13:07I actually think Honda will be in the mix at the start of the year. I think it'll be down to who nails the aero changes between the top three teams.godlameroso wrote: ↑12 Oct 2018, 13:26It's not at the level of Mercedes yet. By next year they'll be the closest they've ever been in this turbo hybrid era. Red Bull will be in the mix to win races in the second half of next year. Until then they'll pretty much hold course, maybe close the gap by a few tenths, so that the top two are still just out of reach.
Even though the power unit is not the best, it is close enough and the Red Bull chassis will likely be so good, that Red Bull - Hondas will most likely run consistently in the top 6 cars in the field which is a far cry from where Honda would be otherwise. Lucky that it worked out for the best by splitting from McLaren!PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑19 Oct 2018, 04:29Honda will be back to winning again. In the best chassis. Imagine that.
At Toro Rosso there were always engine changes at the weekend ...
Dr. Helmut Marko: That is conscious and wanted. That's all work for next year.
So does not that bother you at all?
Dr. Helmut Marko: No. That is conscious, because these are always other stages of development. This was done so that you can try out the ones in the race.
Is Toro Rosso currently the guinea pig?
Dr. Helmut Marko: No. It's also for Toro Rosso. Half of the season is already writing off anyway. They benefit just like us. But of course it's a very cooperative gesture and way of working by Toro Rosso.
How satisfied are you with the expansion stages?
Dr. Helmut Marko: Great! Super.
You have the direct comparison between the engine partner, who breaks down more often and the future. What does it look like there?
Dr. Helmut Marko: The [future] is already ahead.
Only in qualifying?
Dr. Helmut Marko: Also in the race.
That said, the decision was right for Honda next season. Can you already say that?
Dr. Helmut Marko nods and only smiles.
https://www.motorsport-magazin.com
It's great to hear a candid compliment from the driver. No filtering for the media, no BS, just an honest take on it.Gasly: "Power is looking good, I think."
Perez: "Honda is doing good?"
Gasly: "Ahh... tres bien, it's impressive. I was a bit scared, like... at the beginning of the year but now, the step we did... we are really pushing to the max."
