According to measurements by Mercedes, the Honda engine has since gained ten kilowatts (13.6 hp) of power. Comparative measurements between Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda show the difference. The Japanese has been using his second drive unit since his crash in Imola, but its technology is still the same as the first. Gasly, on the other hand, got the new engine like the Red Bull drivers in France.
The increase in performance can have two reasons. Either the Honda engines lose a lot of horsepower over their service life, or the development center in Sakura can now be certain that a higher power level can be used thanks to improved reliability. Probably both are true.
Ferrari and Renault consider the power battle at the top with a discreet distance. According to measurements, Renault is between 20 and 25 hp behind the new best-in-class, while Ferrari is 25 to 30 hp. There are reasons. Renault renounced an expansion stage this year and relies entirely on a completely new engine for 2022. The French wanted to save two new designs.