Honda call for rule change to swap damaged Max Verstappen PU parts

Max Verstappen after his crash at Silverstone — Photo: © LAT Images

Honda - Red Bull

Honda call for rule change to swap damaged Verstappen PU parts

Elements of PU from Silverstone crash can be re-used

Ian Parkes

Sunday 29 August 2021 09:29

Honda technical director Toyoharu Tanabe has called for a regulation change that would allow the Japanese manufacturer to change power unit parts damaged in Max Verstappen's high-speed Silverstone crash.

Tanabe has confirmed Sergio Perez's power unit was "completely destroyed" after the first-corner smash at the last race in Hungary sparked by Mercedes Valtteri Bottas.

Tanabe has also revealed that after a 150mph, 51g shunt into a barrier during the British Grand Prix after being tagged by Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen's PU could be salvaged if unspecified parts are replaced.

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Tanabe has conceded, however, that even if Honda was allowed to change parts, "from a safety point of view, the current damage is a little bit too big to use it in racing", suggesting it could instead be used for practice, maybe even qualifying.

Appreciating the rules at present, Tanabe added: "As you know, with the current PU regulations, we cannot change parts that are sealed by the FIA. Unfortunately, we want to change parts that are sealed.

"Of course, we at Honda respect the PU regulations, based on long experience and established after discussions between the FIA and the PU manufacturers.

"But looking at our situation, I think there is room to reconsider the regulation. For example, I think it is possible to enquire to discuss parts changes."

Tanabe recognises such discussions would involve members of the FIA technical department, the PU manufacturers, and representatives of any team involved in an accident.

Tanabe added: "We can review the accident, check impact data, chassis damage, check PU damage, and all together we can discuss a parts change request for PU manufacturers, so you can change or not.

"Considering the current economic situation, also the sustainability of this sport, I think we have room to consider that type of thing."