Honda's LACK of knowledge shocked Toro Rosso

Franz Tost says Toro Rosso were "shocked" by Honda's lack of knowledge regarding their Formula 1 programme, perhaps shedding some light on the reasons for the Japanese marque's failed union with McLaren. Honda's improvements in 2018 were enough to convince Red Bull to enter a partnership for next season.

Honda has already suggested that greater communication has been the biggest difference since their supply switched from McLaren to Toro Rosso.

Pierre Gasly's fourth-place finish in Bahrain is Honda's best result since returning to F1 in 2015, but Red Bull will be targeting much better next year as they become a de facto factory team.

And, although Tost says Honda's knowledge started from a low base, he was quick to praise the Japanese company for swiftly getting up to speed with Toro Rosso.

"We had very good cooperation and we have a very good business relationship," Tost told Motorsport.

"If there is something which we detect on our side, we sit together, we discuss it, and then we try to find a solution.

"When we had the first meeting together with Honda, I was shocked, because they didn't know things which are related to the chassis or power unit.

"If you are coming together with a new partner, first you have to sit together to discuss to find out where we need to be concentrating.

"But it went very fast and very well because they were totally open and so were we from our side."

MORE: Russell: No doubt about Kubica's natural talent
MORE: Mercedes prioritising Ocon over Schumacher swoop