Column 2017 August 14

With more than half of the season completed, Formula 1 is enjoying a well deserved vacation during the summer break. A good way to spend this extra free time is on reflection, as Honda has done. The Japanese brand accepted that they are now at the level of development that should have been at the beginning of the season. Now, by the end of the season they expect to be at the same point they should have reached in Barcelona. But the matter has not ended there. Yusuke Hasegawa, Honda’s top manager in Formula 1, has continued to reflect on the mistakes and the successes of this season. Hasegawa claimed that the design change in his engines was a success, but he was forced to acknowledge that they had begun this change with little time. He acknowledges having underestimated the concept of the engine and thought that with a year they would have enough time for their development. But the results of this season proved they were wrong.

However, Honda not only brought us thoughts about past moments. Honda also brought a message of hope, since it expects that the Specification Four of their engine shows that little by little they will be able to fight to reach the leaders.

That specification that should encourage the Spaniard Fernando Alonso to stay in McLaren, as the Spaniard has not yet revealed his plans for the 2018 season. Meanwhile, his team does not know what else they can do for the Spaniard for him to continue with them.

At this point in the season, more and more people are talking about the places available in each team and the drivers who’ll finish their contract. There are many drivers who have reason to be nervous, as there are many young drivers who have proved their worth in other competitions and want a place in a Formula 1 team. Some drivers may have to leave the motorsports queen category.

Felipe Massa has not hesitated to declare that his desire is to continue competing in Formula 1 next year. After his small retirement last year, the Brazilian seems to be very happy with his performance in the Williams team. But he is not the only one who wants to renew the contract.

Kimi Raikkonen, after proving in the last Grand Prix that he can be a great help for his teammate in the fight for the world championship, has urged Ferrari to renew his contract. In the same situation is Valtteri Bottas, after arriving at the Mercedes team after the sudden abandonment of the world champion Nico Rosberg. Once again, we have to wait to see who stays, who leaves and who will arrive?