During the weekend I was able to watch NHK documentary about Honda's first win in hybrid era. It's almost two hours long and there is a lot of great stories...
- Honda is conducting its own research on fuel and ExxonMobil only produces it,
- Before Austrian GP Honda specialists have suggested Red Bull engineers to change the configuration of the front suspension - to improve airflow in the sidepods (they saw some problems during French GP - hot race). That's why Max could use (first time during the season) "engine 11 mode 5" and win the race (top level Honda's figure gave the race team permission to take that risk) - Mercedes & Ferrari both suffered from engine overheating,
- HondaJet engineers did an amazing job to save Honda's racing program. Before 2018 they found a way to stabilize the shaft connecting the turbine with the compressor - it was Honda's main problem (during McLaren era) after they changed the size of turbine and compressor (in SizeZero concept MGU-H system was just too small and couldn't generate as much energy as other PUs). HondaJet engineers were able to solve this problem in the first attempt. The funny thing is no one in the group believed that HondaJet could have any impact on the project.
- In 2018 HondaJet engineers designed new shape of blades for turbine and compressor - the target was to keep the power level and generate more energy by MGU-H even in lower flow conditions. This changes were introduced in 2019 engine and it was a good step forward,
- 2018 Honda & Red Bull (via. Toro Rosso) used to build mutual trust and develop communication methods - Franz Tost did an amazing job there,
- In 2019 both Red Bull and Toro Rosso car were designed around Honda engine and with Honda's engineers input,
- Honda has invested a lot of money in buying new production tools - aluminium engine parts are no longer made by casting. Now they use advanced machine tools,
- All engines are produced in Sakura but their tuning (maps) is carried out at a Honda base in the UK.