Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, January 27.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Honda making 'huge step' for final F1 engine
© Reuters
Honda is apparently pressing hard on the throttle for its last season in Formula 1 for now.
Following the Japanese giant's decision to quit the sport at the end of 2021, it is believed managers of the F1 program decided to fast-forward the development of an all-new engine originally intended for 2022.
"I have heard that Honda has taken a huge step in the combustion element and seriously improved the thermodynamic efficiency. The electrical component is also very promising on the test bench," said Paolo Filisetti, the technical analyst for Italy's Autosprint magazine.
"For example, the intake and exhaust pressure of the engine was examined, as well as the variation and the temperature of the gases leaving the car," he added.
Filisetti also reveals that Red Bull has made key car changes for 2021, even though the regulations are remaining reasonably steady.
"The first is modified suspension, with a modified geometry that they brought to Abu Dhabi," he said, referring to the season finale that was dominated by Max Verstappen.
The Italian journalist also said the gearbox has been redesigned for a new shape, which should help Red Bull to compensate for the mandatory aerodynamic changes.
Two drivers would have won in Hamilton's car - Berger
© Reuters
Two other drivers would have also won the 2020 world championship at the wheel of Lewis Hamilton's car.
That is the view of F1 legend Gerhard Berger, who nonetheless thinks seven time world champion Hamilton remains the best driver on the grid for now.
"Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen are two excellent drivers, but Hamilton remains the most competitive and most complete driver in the world," he told Italy's Autosprint.
"He always knows how to read the situation on the track perfectly and gets the most out of his car every lap of the race. He knows how to use the tyres optimally, getting them back to temperature in no time after a safety car.
"It reminds me of when I was sometimes right behind Senna or Schumacher in a race and then five seconds behind after my pitstop. Senna, Schumacher and Hamilton are absolutely special in that way.
"Those three are among the best drivers who have ever driven in Formula 1," Berger added.
However, the former Ferrari and McLaren driver says Verstappen and Leclerc are the "new generation" in the same ultra-talented mould.
"They both would have been world champion in the 2020 Mercedes if Hamilton had not been there," Berger insisted.
"I see their rivalry like Prost and Senna. Leclerc is a lot calmer in the cockpit, driving less with emotion. Verstappen is more aggressive, just like Senna always was.
"But I couldn't tell you who would be the winner between those two," he added.
More news from Formula 1:
Eddie Jordan expects Lewis Hamilton to pen new Mercedes deal this week
Eddie Jordan feels Lewis Hamilton should be granted a slice of the team's television revenue. Read more.
Hamilton contract saga 'doesn't matter' - Bottas
Valtteri Bottas says he will try to beat whoever is at the wheel of the other Mercedes car in 2021. Read more.
Alonso hoping 2022 rules improve F1 problems
Fernando Alonso may be returning to Formula 1 this year, but he is hoping the sport becomes significantly better in 2022. Read more.
Driver situation 'must change' in F1 - Alesi
Things "must change" in Formula 1 to give young drivers a better chance of securing a seat. Read more.
Red Bull must keep waiting for engine 'freeze' news
Red Bull must continue to wait before being able to confirm its plans to manage its own Honda-based engine program for 2022 and beyond. Read more.
Gasly approach to Red Bull 'didn't work' - Verstappen
Pierre Gasly made a fundamental error in his approach to Formula 1 that cost him the top seat at Red Bull, according to Max Verstappen. Read more.
Leclerc to become Ferrari 'leader' - Binotto
Charles Leclerc is on course to be a "leader" in the style of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher. Read more.
