Communication Honda's "biggest change" after McLaren split
Honda Formula 1 boss Masashi Yamamoto says the manufacturer's "biggest change" in 2018 with Toro Rosso compared with its McLaren partnership was "much better communication".
The Japanese company returned to F1 in 2015 as sole engine supplier to McLaren, but a troubled and acrimonious tenure led to the pair parting ways at the end of '17.
Honda joined forces with Toro Rosso for this season and the new partnership ended the campaign eighth in the constructors' table with 33 points, three more than Honda managed with McLaren the previous season.
"The biggest change to Toro Rosso [compared with McLaren] is we had much better communication with the team compared to the past," Yamamoto told Motorsport.com.
"As a result of that we had better connection between the chassis and power unit on the technical side.
"In terms of the engine itself we were able to see the improvement of reliability and performance. We had Spec 2 and Spec 3 and improved the performance gradually. It was a good preparation for next year.
"We had some troubles at the beginning of the year, reliability issues, and some delay on development but in the end both reliability and performance improved."
Next year Honda will replace Renault as Red Bull's engine supplier, as well as continuing as Toro Rosso's power unit partner.
Yamamoto believes the engine update brought for the Canadian Grand Prix showed Honda could make significant steps forward and was enough to gain Red Bull's "trust".
When asked if the rapid rebuilding of Honda's reputation in '18 was a surprise, he said: "This is not really a big surprise.
"The key point was the race performance in Canada. We were able to prove we could step forward to a certain level and were able to get trust from Red Bull.
"After that, we were able to continue in that environment. Red Bull was also seeing that. I think the relationship is quite stable and good, and we are getting that trust. I'm excited and looking forward to next year.
"So if we can accomplish or complete our programme for next year on schedule, we can have a good relationship and results with Red Bull."
Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso STR13
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images
Previous article
How Honda restored its F1 reputation
Next article
FIA explains how unrestricted CFD testing will work
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Teams | McLaren |
| Author | Scott Mitchell |
The defining traits that set F1’s best apart
What makes the very best drivers in Formula 1 stand out among what is already a highly elite bunch? Andrew Benson takes a closer look at those with the special blend of skill, judgment, feel and attitude that sets only a select few apart from the rest.
The updates Williams hopes will lead to a point-scoring return
After producing a car which demonstrated progress but lacked the points to prove it last year, Williams starts its new era of team ownership with the FW43B, its bid to continue the climb up the Formula 1 grid in 2021
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
