Still in trouble
As had already happened in 2015, Honda found itself unprepared for the F1 technical revolution and the introduction of the new power units this year, paying a very significant deficit compared to the competition in terms of performance and engine reliability. If ten years ago McLaren paid the price, this year it is the Aston Martin team that is suffering the consequences of the ineffective partnership with the Japanese giant.
Between the two parties, there has been no shortage of mutual barbs and controversies, with a back-and-forth of accusations and responsibilities. Trying to bring some peace was the Silverstone team’s brand ambassador, Jenson Button. The 2009 world champion knows Honda’s modus operandi very well: he worked with the Tokyo-based company for a long time in both F1 and SuperGT, experiencing both good and less good moments. He, along with Fernando Alonso, was behind the wheel of the McLaren during the disastrous 2015-2016 biennium. The two, one still in the car and the other in his role as brand ambassador, are therefore reliving familiar sensations.
Button’s confidence
Yet in an interview given to the Spanish site AS, Button said he was “100% certain” that Honda will return to being competitive and will help Aston Martin in its climb to the top of F1: “Everyone involved [in the team] understands where we are as a team – Button observed – they know the foundations are solid and that we will be competitive. This is a very demanding sport. Mercedes and Ferrari have been at the top for a long time and always with the same engine. The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda is very recent, as is the one with Newey. There are many elements that need to be put together and this doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. Everyone is aware of what this team can do in the future. This is the only team that can break into the top four in the future. That’s how it is.“
“It’s hard to talk about timing – the former British driver then added – and I’m not the right person to answer. I don’t know the details. It won’t happen in three races, but time flies. In the end, it will seem like it all happened overnight. Is failure possible? No. I’m 100% sure of it. It’s just a matter of time. [At Honda] they always make it. Always“.
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