Honda - "We must do better"

Honda have had a more positive year in 2018 with Toro Rosso than the three previous years with McLaren. Their performance earned them the opportunity to supply Red Bull in 2019, and they know that the challenge will increase as they supply the F1 giants.

Red Bull relationship with previous suppliers Renault has deteriorated over the past few years, with the team pushed to the edge by the sheer amount of retirements they suffered this year.

This is what encouraged them to switch engine suppliers, and with Mercedes and Ferrari extremely unlikely to let them use their engines, Honda seemed to be the only other option.

And the Japanese manufacturer know that it’s going to be a difficult challenge.

Honda Motorsport’s general manager Masashi Yamamoto has said in an end of year interview on Honda’s website: "Everyone at Scuderia Toro Rosso and both its drivers played a big part in our development, not just on the technical front, but also thanks to their open-minded and positive attitude and cheerful disposition. 

"However, it was clear that our PU [power unit] is still not at the same level as the very best in terms of performance and there is also room for improvement when it comes to reliability.

"Next season, we will supply two teams for the first time since we returned to F1 in 2015. We must do better and, with that in mind, everyone involved in the project is working relentlessly to be in good shape for pre-season testing in February. As we prepare for our second year with Toro Rosso and our first with Red Bull Racing, our aim is to continue to make progress and move up the order.”