Honda said in the run-up to the Russian Grand Prix that it had identified the various causes for the Mugello engine problem and that it is believed that everything has been done to prevent it from happening again. This weekend, Max Verstappen will drive a new engine, but that is separate from previous problems.
Honda is asked about the how and why of the switch opposite RacingNews365 know that it is a ‘completely new’ power unit, but one of the same specification as before. After all, performance updates are not allowed during the season. Allegedly, only the CE (Control Electronics) and ES (Energy Store) will not be replaced, since with two pieces they already reached the maximum number of parts to be used and Honda confirms that there is no grid penalty.
The switch to the third power unit is one that was already planned, Honda confirms. If Max Verstappen has major problems with this new engine and it can no longer be used, then there is nothing wrong. Grid penalties are not yet an issue, as the previous engines are all still part of the Red Bull driver’s engine pool. The engine that caused problems at Mugello is also included.
In addition to Max Verstappen, AlphaTauri drivers Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat will also have access to a new Honda engine. Alexander Albon already ran compared to his teammates out of sync and reportedly has to wait some more race for new engine parts. If he changes to a new MGU-H, turbo, ES or CE, he will receive a grid penalty.
With the cooperation of Dieter Rencken.
Will Max Verstappen return to the podium in Russia this weekend? Tom Coronel, Ruud Dimmers and host Thomas van Groningen preview the latest episode of the RacingNews365 F1 podcast.
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