The Race F1 Tech Show Why Honda's F1 engine fix is so difficult
Mar 26, 2026
Gary Anderson, former F1 technical director and car designer, breaks down why Honda's power unit vibrations are so hard to fix. He unpacks on-car vs dyno differences, chassis-packaging compromises, mounting rules and battery damage. He also discusses leadership shake-ups at Aston Martin and how Suzuka’s demands shape energy harvesting and deployment strategies.
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Why Engine Mounts Can't Be Softened
- Engine and chassis are structurally integrated so mounting can't be softened without harming chassis stiffness and handling.
- Gary Anderson explains modern F1 engines bolt to six regulation points making rubber bushes impractical for vibration isolation.
Vibration Often Comes From Electrified Drivetrain Parts
- Vibration sources can be high-speed MGU-K or turbo components and mounting arrangements rather than the gearbox.
- Anderson notes dyno mounts differ from car mounts so bench tests may miss track-induced vibrations.
Don’t Mask The Problem Use Targeted Cockpit Mitigations
- Fix the root cause rather than insulating the car; small cockpit compliance tweaks can be used as temporary mitigation.
- Anderson suggests modest changes to seat, steering or pedal mounts could reduce driver-perceived vibration without harming chassis performance.