Mercedes Engine Department Director Andy Cowell has warned everyone not to underestimate McLaren-Honda’s future when they started slow in this first half of season, because he believes that the two partners still have a bright future in Formula One.
Yet the Japanese engine manufacturer has been slowing for three seasons to optimise the performance of their hybrid V6 turbo, the Englishman continues to credit the progress capabilities of Japanese engineers.
“I think no one should underestimate the potential of Honda and McLaren,” Cowell said when he visited High Performance Powertrains (HPP) centre in Brackley.
“Both are capable of great things and I am willing to bet that their partnership will lead to positive. It should not be long,” he added.
Concerning the evolution of the engine in F1 through 2020, Cowell is in favour of a fair balance between the technology used in competition and that in the automobile industry.
“Everyone talked about what F1 needs for 2020,” Cowell said. “We have to make sure that the technology introduced is ahead of that the manufacturers and then better prefaces the inventions of the future.
“There is still a lot of work to be done and a compromise to be found. But ultimately, if we can find the best package for F1 from the point of view of the manufacturers, the fans and the drivers, already a famous step forward.” he added.
Speaking in July, McLaren Executive Director Zak Brown set a deadline for Honda. He continued to pressure on Honda due to their partnership in 2018.
“We started working on our 2018 car, and 2018 will arrive very quickly. Decisions that will affect the design of the car will have to be made for the summer truce at the latest,” Brown said. “The design of the car will have to be made for the summer truce at the latest.” Brown added.
Andy Cowell warns everyone not to underestimate McLaren-Honda future after the two partners failed to win any race in the first half of season. (Source:www.autocar.com)
The American confirmed that a change in engine manufacturer had been studied after McLaren’s driver Fernando Alonso threatened to go next year.
“We have a plan B, we have a plan C. So we have plans. We are friend with everyone in the paddock, so we take coffee and chat.” Brown said.
“What is certain that is something to change [at Honda]. If they continue to do what they have been doing for two years, they will continue to have the same results.” he added.
