Honda sees 'communication' with Toro Rosso as biggest change in 2018

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Honda F1 boss Masashi Yamamoto says the biggest change for the Japanese manufacturer in 2018 was the "much better communication" it enjoyed with Toro Rosso compared to McLaren.

After three years of under-performance and an inability to gel, the Honda-McLaren partnership was dissolved at the end of 2017, with the engine supplier switching its allegiance to Toro Rosso.

Honda's engineering department made great strides in 2018, but it was on the communication front that its collaboration with the Faenza-based squad significantly deferred from McLaren.

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"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 add Red Bull Racing to its F1 supply deal, the Milton Keynes outfit having witnessed firsthand its future partner's progress.

©ToroRosso

According to Yamamoto, the power unit update introduced by Honda in Canada was the deal breaker in convincing Red Bull to part ways with Renault and take on Japanese power.

"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," added Yamamoto.

"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."

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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.