Toro Rosso Team Principal Franz Tost has expressed his conviction that future engine partner Honda can flourish in Formula 1 under the current regulations, despite its current struggles.
Honda returned to Formula 1 in 2015 as McLaren’s exclusive partner but the operation has taken a best race result of only fifth, and title placing of sixth, amid ongoing reliability and performance issues.
McLaren and Honda will split at the end of the year, with McLaren picking up Toro Rosso’s supply of Renault engines, while Toro Rosso in turn will align itself with Honda, on a multi-year deal.
Despite Honda’s sub-par form since its comeback three years ago, Tost says he is “100 per cent convinced” that the Japanese manufacturer will make substantial short-term progress.
“Four years ago, it was in October, before the Suzuka Grand Prix, I visited the Honda factory,” Tost said.
“They have a fantastic infrastructure and I think in the meantime I think they have learned a lot about the new power unit.
“I am convinced within the next three years, also within the short term, Honda will improve their performance dramatically.
“They have already come up with really good upgrades during this season – unfortunately, because McLaren is very close to us.
“I am 100 per cent convinced that Honda will make big steps forward in the near future and within the next three years and we are more than happy to work together with such a fantastic partner.
“I am looking forward to next year because I think that Honda and Toro Rosso will have a successful season.”
Toro Rosso has yet to determine its driver line-up for 2018, with current racer Carlos Sainz Jr. already having secured a Renault seat for next year, on loan from Red Bull’s stable.
On the driver front, Tost said: “Well currently we have two quite successful and competitive drivers with Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz.
“I assume that they will finish the season with us and regarding the drivers for next year, then Red Bull will decide who is driving with us and of course we will also take into consideration any request from our partners.”
