Nov.13 (GMM) The CEO of Honda says the Japanese carmaker is targeting the world championship for 2020.
At present, there is uncertainty not only about Honda’s commitment to Formula 1 for 2021 and beyond.
Rumours say interim Renault CEO Clotilde Delbos is considering pulling the French carmaker out, while Toto Wolff has declared that it is “not a given” that Mercedes will sign up for 2021.
And Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko says he is expecting a decision about Honda’s 2021 commitment by Abu Dhabi.
Until then, Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo has set the target of winning the 2020 world championship.
“After our return to Formula 1 in 2015, we had four difficult years. It hurt us a lot,” Hachigo told the Brazilian sports daily Lance!
“This year we won our first race in Austria, and I am very pleased with that. We also won in Germany, while Daniil Kvyat came third.”
Hachigo is pleased with 2019 for other reasons, too. “At Suzuka, Naoki Yamamoto was allowed to do the practice session and it was a great moment for every Japanese,” he said.
“Now I want to win the world championship with Red Bull next year.”
That ambition will be music to Max Verstappen’s ears, as 2020 is his last opportunity to become the youngest ever world champion in F1 history.
“What do I expect from Honda? More power,” he smiled to De Telegraaf newspaper.
“In terms of reliability it has gone very well. This year has been a breakthrough for them.
“They already have two wins, which was a huge boost for the entire company. Honda is on the right track,” Verstappen added.
“In terms of engine we are very close to Mercedes at the moment, so that is very positive.”
March 15, 2020 Melbourne
Get ready to join Grand Prix Tours, for the first race of the 2020 F1 season, at the Australian Grand Prix. Melbourne Australia is the sporting capitol of the southern hemisphere and plays host to this high energy high octane Grand Prix.
April 5, 2020 Hanoi
Join Grand Prix Tours as we head to the capitol of Vietnam for the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix. The host city of Hanoi aims to be a fantastic backdrop for what will be the third race of the 2020 season.
April 19, 2020 Shanghai
Having hosted the first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004 the Shanghai International Circuit is a world class motorsports venue. With two long straights and an array of interesting corners this track is a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will spend their days out at the track and their evenings taking in the local culture and exploring this energetic city.
May 3, 2020 Zandvoort
Prepare to enjoy a European racing experience that has been missing from the calendar for too long. The Dutch Grand Prix is back for the 2020 F1 season and race fans could not be happier. Follow the link to view our tour details and options.