Honda to Focus More Resources into their Formula One Project for 2020

Honda is now starting to get serious about their championship aspirations for the 2020 season. In fact, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Japanese engine supplier will be increasing its Formula One budget for 2020.

As it turned out, the move came due to pressure from Max Verstappen and father Jos. This was mostly regarding the Red Bull-Honda alliance, with a threat that Max could move to another Formula One team for 2021.

La Gazzetta claimed that Honda is investing around €140 million on their 2020 project.

“The big teams still have an advantage over us,” said Honda F1 boss Toyoharu Tanabe to AS newspaper.

They also reported that Honda has increased their F1 workforce to 450 people from 2017.

In addition to that, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was pleased with the debut of a brand new Mobil 1 fuel. The Briton called it a sign that the Red Bull-Honda partnership is working well.

“The great thing about Honda is that they are fully focused on working with Red Bull and Toro Rosso,” he said.

“That is significantly different to what we were used to before. Our former engine supplier (Renault) used another fuel and oil partner for their factory team.

“But we are involved in all of Honda’s development, and that includes the fuel and the lubricants. It’s a true partnership,”.

ExxonMobil’s technical boss David Tsurasaki confirmed at Suzuka that the new fuel features chemicals “that have never been used in F1 before”.

However, with Mercedes ruling the roost during both practice sessions, Red Bull have their work cut out for them. There is also the fact that they will have to keep an eye on Ferrari, unless they begin squabbling with each other. Finally, all teams will have to brave the elements as the circuit will deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis on Sunday, with qualifying and the race on Sunday.