Honda facing tough debate over Hartley's engine

Honda is debating whether to delay Brendan Hartley’s engine upgrade. After his huge crash in FP3, Hartley’s engineers were forced to install his 3rd MGU-H and turbo of the season. 

Due to the sport's rules, when Hartley changes these components again, he will be forced into a grid penalty. It’s rumoured that Honda’s engine upgrade will come in June’s Canadian Grand Prix. 

“We are thinking to make some options,” Honda’s technical director Toyoharu Tanabe told motorsport.com. 

“So, Honda will make options on the power unit side, and then we can work with the team on how we can manage the situation. 

“Also, we don’t know (what will happen) in the next race!” 

It’s possible for Honda to delay the upgrade for the New Zealanders car until the Belgian Grand Prix in late August. Taking a grid penalty on this track is a lot easier due to the overtaking opportunities. 

This plan would mean the current units will have to run 8 races, which is very unlikely! Let's say, Toro Rosso could be facing a few Grid Penalties between now and Abu Dhabi.