As we move into the winter break, Honda and Red Bull Racing will be working closer together than ever before. But not too close! According to Helmut Marko, the Austrian team will give Honda enough space to create the best engine they want, rather than forcing specific things.
"Make it we'll make sure the engine fits," Marko told Servus TV as Red Bull show they've learnt lessons from when McLaren worked with Honda.
"Until now they have kept all promises when it comes to the technical side. So if they know how to draw that line, we have a big chance to compete for the title next season. Everything thanks to our approach that is completely different from that of McLaren when they were there with Honda."
The Red Bull consultant draws back to last season and praises the deal between Toro Rosso and Honda. He claims the transition role has helped develop a culture within the workforce.
"While in Japan, they have a completely different culture. Fortunately, we have a year of experience in our pocket thanks to Toro Rosso and Franz Tost. It's almost half Japanese now," grins Marko.
"Honda has everything it takes to be successful in Formula 1, and we'll see how it goes. The will and the financial means are there in any case."