Honda will make its return to F1 next year with the help of a Mercedes-linked company, it has emerged.
For the start of F1’s new V6 era this year, engine manufacturers Renault and Ferrari turned to the help of external suppliers for the design of the actual turbocharger unit. Renault works with the Austrian company APC Pankl, and Ferrari’s is a bespoke Honeywell turbo. Dominant Mercedes, on the other hand, designs and builds its very own turbocharger.
But Honda, returning to F1 next year to supply its works V6 to McLaren, will follow the Renault and Ferrari model. Germany’s Speed Week, and Italian media sources, report that the Japanese manufacturer will have its turbo made by a Tokyo-based company called IHI. IHI, formerly Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, has solid links to Mercedes parent Daimler, having set up a joint venture in Germany some years ago to design and manufacture turbo units.
Daimler and IHI split only last year.
Image: FinalGear
