Marko: 'Alonso did everything to make Honda look bad'

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Red Bull's Helmut Marko is keeping close tabs on Toro Rosso engine partner Honda, aware that the Japanese manufacturer could power the senior bull outfit in 2019.

The energy drink's motorsport boss is happy with the information he has received so far from Faenza.

Marko admits however that Honda's goodwill and image were dealt big blows during its failed partnership with McLaren, thanks in no small part to Fernando Alonso's persistent bashing says the Austrian.

Horner: Red Bull 'will have options' on 2019 engine

"Honda is very active and has already found something," Marko is quoted by Auto, Motor und Sport.

"Maybe they'll manage to be on the level of Renault with the second engine. Honda had to compromise because of the chassis specification from McLaren.

"They could not develop freely and were pretty limited. Alonso has did everything to make the engine look bad."

According to Marko, Mercedes will remain F1's power benchmark this season, especially in qualifying where its rivals' power units are no match for the German manufacturer's special engine mode.

"The worst thing is their qualifying mode," says the Red Bull manager.

"They are always ahead in qualifying and you cannot overtake on most tracks. And in the race they sometimes use significantly less fuel.

"Mercedes' overall package is clearly ahead in terms of driveability, performance, consumption and energy deployment."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.