Grosjean sees Honda resurgence as 'amazing' for F1

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Haas' Romain Grosjean has another mid-field rival to contend with but ultimately he sees Toro Rosso-Honda's form as "amazing" for Formula 1.

The doubters outweighed the rest of the F1 paddock when it came to assessing Toro Rosso's chances of performing this season following its switch to Honda power.

But Pierre Gasly's impressive P4 finish last Sunday in Bahrain confirmed the Japanese manufacturer's progress as well as the fact that Toro Rosso will likely be a force to be reckoned with this year for the title of "best of the rest".

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"I wasn't happy they were in front of us, but I'm happy that Honda, with a good collaboration with Toro Rosso, managed to get such a good result," Grosjean said.

"Qualifying everyone was like 'oh in the race they're gonna fall down', but actually no, they finished fourth.

"For Formula 1 in general it is amazing. It shows a constructor, like the Haas project, can be successful after three years. I think it's great for Formula 1. It shows you can do it."

Another man who also rejoiced at Toro Rosos's great result in Bahrain was Carlos Sainz, who spent his formative F1 years with the Faenza-based squad.

"I saw the mechanics, I went down to shake hands with them and congratulate them," said the Spaniard.

"It's good for them, they deserve it – they've pushed hard over the winter to get that engine back into the car, redesign the car. I think it's a good story for Formula 1."

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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.