Toro Rosso

Now a Honda works-backed team, Toro Rosso will be looking to succeed where the partnership with McLaren failed.

21 Mar 2018

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda

GP Starts: 226
Wins: 1
Pole Positions: 1
Fastest Laps: 1
Drivers’ Championships: 0
Constructors’ Championships: 0

Drivers

10. Pierre Gasly FRA
28. Brendon Hartley NZL

2017 in review: A solid start with regular points finishes during the first half of the season faded as Toro Rosso’s development stalled and it endured a transition period following a number of driver changes, including the loss of star driver Carlos Sainz to Renault. The Faenza-based squad held sixth place for much of the year, but was overtaken by Renault at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, finishing the year with 10 points fewer than it managed in 2016. Sainz’ brilliant drive to fourth place at Singapore’s first-ever wet race was a highlight.

What’s changed for 2018? Honda power and new drivers. Toro Rosso heads into 2018 as Honda’s works outfit, having made the switch from Renault at the end of last year. Despite Honda’s well-documented troubles in the V6 hybrid era, pre-season testing at Barcelona was promising. New drivers Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley appear buoyed by the partnership.

Key man - Pierre Gasly. 2016 GP2 champion Gasly had the benefit of gaining some valuable F1 experience towards the back end of 2017, joining Toro Rosso for five races. That, coupled with a full winter test programme, should serve the youngster well as he heads into his first full F1 campaign. Improved performance and reliability from Honda’s latest F1 engine should enable Gasly to show off his obvious talent.

Constructors’ Championship prediction - 8th