Toro Rosso a better match for Honda - Hasegawa

Honda F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa believes Toro Rosso will prove to be a better suited partner for the Japanese manufacturer than McLaren.

The Woking-based outfit called it quits with its engine supplier after three agonizing years of failures and under-performance.

But Hasegawa is optimistic for the future, determined to apply what it learned from all the painful lessons gathered over its fruitless period of racing with McLaren.

"The hardest year was undoubtedly the first, but also the third year was not easy," the Japanese negineer told Speed Week.

"But I think we were able to recover a bit faster than in previous years.

"Motor sport means everything to Honda. It's part of our DNA," Hasegawa insists.

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"We know that racing is tough sometimes, but it's that challenge in terms of performance and technology that motivates us.

"So it doesn't make sense to give up half way. That does not fit with our mentality."

In hindsight, Hasegawa believes Honda was wrong to work with a top team such as McLaren, and considers Toro Rosso a better partner.

"Toro Rosso has not been around as long and so they are more flexible," said Hasegawa. "It is easier to exchange opinions.

"McLaren is a top team, and Honda was not ready for a top team. That's a fact."

Honda is still expecting a tough season however in 2018, especially in light of the ever more tightening long-life engine rules which force a three-engine limit on teams next year.

"Technologically it is not easy and it gets even harder," said Hasegawa. "But we are already working very well with Toro Rosso.

"For us it is very important to stay in Formula 1. We must continue to dream of becoming world champion. That's our motivation and what keeps us going."

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