Honda used second F1 power-unit upgrade on Stroll’s car in Spain

Honda used its second permitted power-unit development opportunity at the Spanish Grand Prix, fitting an improved turbocharger to Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin. Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe told Autosport the change was intended to address drivability problems, including turbo lag, in the power unit introduced at the Dutch Grand Prix. He said work on the turbo had continued alongside that earlier upgrade, so the two changes arrived separately.

Autosport reports that Honda qualified for two development opportunities under Formula 1’s ADUO rules after its internal-combustion engine was measured at more than 4% below the highest-rated engine. The publication says Honda had previously indicated it would use only one.

Autosport also cites FIA component-use records showing that Stroll received a fifth turbocharger in Spain. Fernando Alonso received a fifth turbocharger in Azerbaijan, though Autosport describes it only as apparently being the upgraded version.

With both ADUO opportunities used, Watanabe said Honda would focus on getting more from its existing power unit rather than making further hardware changes this season. He said the earlier upgrade had met Honda’s targets but believed there was still performance to find.