Honda in Formula One, with a special focus on McLaren Honda and its 2015 prospects

The Japanese automobile and motorcycle manufacturer Honda is one of the best known brands in the world. It is also renowned for its performance in Formula One. It has participated as an entrant, constructor and engine supplier for various periods since 1964.

First Foray into F1

Honda began participating in F1 in 1964. The idea of F1 participation was extremely attractive to Honda early on, and their participation in F1 began just 4 years after their first road car. Moreover, Honda was among the very few constructors at that time who built their own engine and chassis. Only Ferrari and BRM did the same at that time. In 1965, the team notched up its first victory, with Richie Ginther being the winner.  Honda continued to take podiums and wins occasionally, however the death of driver Jo Schlesser at the 1968 French Grand Prix prompted it to withdraw temporarily.

Second Foray

They were to return in 1983 as an engine supplier, and at various times, supplied Williams (1984-87), Lotus (1987-88), McLaren (1988-92) and Tyrell (1991).  During the late 80’s, they were considered to be the best engines in the paddock. The Honda engines were renowned for their power, reliability and sophistication. Honda-powered cars notched up 6 consecutive constructor championships between 1986 and 1991. In 1999, they attempted to return to F1 as an independent team, using a Dallara-created car. The car even impressed in pre-season testing, but the premature death of technical manager Harvey Postlethwaite forced them to continue in F1 as an engine supplier from 2000. They supplied British American Racing with engines from 2000 to 2005, and in 2004, BAR managed to finish second in both championships.

Honda F1(2005-2008)

Following the purchasing of BAR in September 2005, Honda returned as a full-fledged team. The team had an average 2006 season, with drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello occasionally doing well.  Jenson Button won a rain-soaked Hungarian Grand Prix, giving Honda their first win as an independent team since 1966. However, the next two years were only mediocre, with the team picking up only 6 points in 2007. Team Principal Ross Brawn then bought the team out at the end of 2008, and the new team, renamed Brawn GP, won both championships in 2009.

McLaren Honda-what is wrong?

In 2015, Honda decided to return as an engine supplier, supplying the McLaren F1 team.  However, pre-season testing revealed an indifferent form, and misfortune struck when star driver Fernando Alonso was injured in a crash. At the season-opening Australian GP, McLaren fared miserably, being the slowest car by a whooping margin.  The biggest problem appears to be the Honda engine, with McLaren a miserable 14-15 kph slower in terms of top speed. According to analysts, the hybrid part of the engine is at fault, and the new McLaren isn’t accelerating quickly enough out of the corners. Some reports suggest that the Honda engine may be a crushing 200bhp down on the pace-setting Mercedes cars.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Honda certainly has a long way to go, but if someone can overturn the massive deficit, it will be Honda, with their long record of excellence.