F1: Mercedes has played Honda like a fiddle

(GMM) Honda’s F1 technical boss Toyoharu Tanabe admits he is “very surprised” about the engine problems suffered by championship rival Mercedes in 2021.

According to Honda’s works partner Red Bull, the rear wing disqualification in Brazil and ongoing engine reliability problems show that Mercedes is “on the limit” after seven consecutive title triumphs.

“They are being pushed this year and we are enjoying it,” added team boss Christian Horner.

Toyoharu Tanabe Honda Director Formula 1 has been played like a fiddle by Mercedes. Mercedes keep introducing new engines for Bottas and Hamilton NOT because they are failing, they are doing it to introduce more powerful engines each time. Hamilton is passing cars on the main straight at Interlagos as if they are parked. No one else can.

As well as the DRS-related disqualification, and amid Max Verstappen’s claims that Mercedes’ rear wing also overly flexes, another problem for title chaser Lewis Hamilton in Brazil was a five-place grid drop for yet another new engine.

“I’m very surprised they are changing the ICE (internal combustion engine) so frequently,” admitted Honda’s Tanabe.

“Actually, I cannot believe what’s going on and why.”

In contrast, the Japanese said championship leader Verstappen should be able to make it all the way to the Abu Dhabi finale with his existing engine allocation.

“The current plan is that we can manage the power unit for the rest of the season for all drivers,” Tanabe revealed.

“We had some accidents during the season and lost some but at the moment we have a sufficient number of units for all the drivers.”