In recent weeks a topic has become the talk of the Formula 1 paddock. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, reacted to Fernando Alonso’s complaints, saying he would initiate talks to help Honda. The move has surprisingly drawn backing from many rival brands.
However, there is one team that disagrees. James Vowles, the head of the Williams team, has voiced his disapproval of a potential Honda rescue. The boss of Carlos Sainz believes it would be a move that would distort the competition, ruining the work that other teams have done to be there.
Aston Martin already has four of the six votes it needs
Honda’s rescue is the latest major topic of conversation in Formula 1. Although it has been sold as a method to prevent Fernando Alonso from retiring, what lies behind it is much more important economically: fending off the ghosts of Aston Martin switching engine suppliers and leaving Honda without a partner.
So the machinery is already in motion to establish new measures that would help Honda. There is talk of special homologations, a higher budget cap, and some changes that would allow them to exploit engine parts that have always suited them well. Up to now, everyone seemed in agreement, but a discordant voice has emerged.
It is James Vowles, Williams’ team principal. The Briton rejects the Honda rescue because he considers it would “ruin the work that a lot of people have been doing.” After all, Williams and Aston Martin are direct rivals at the moment. They are fighting for ninth place in the constructors’ world championship, with Williams holding an eight-point lead.
That is why Vowles insists that “we cannot change the power unit because the manufacturers of power units would not be able to adapt to it at this stage.” I don’t think they have the votes to do it. The only forum where we can do it is in the F1 Commissions. And right now there isn’t enough interest.”
But the truth is that Mercedes and Red Bull have already publicly backed the plan to rescue Honda. If we consider that Red Bull has two teams and add Aston Martin’s vote, that already makes four in favor. The majority sits at six. Williams is against, and now six more teams remain to show their stance.
Ben Sulayem would have to keep negotiating to secure the agreement that keeps Honda in Formula 1 and, by extension, Fernando Alonso as well.
Images | Formula 1, Williams
