Honda set up Formula 1-specific role to focus on F1 project

There's never been a shortage of Honda's dedication and commitment in Formula 1. As they move into the 2019 season with Red Bull and Toro Rosso, motorsport boss Masashi Yamamoto will move into a Formula 1-specific role as they attempt to push Ferrari and Mercedes.

Last season, Yamamoto played a vital part in the deal Honda struck with Red Bull. But his workload was high as being motorsport boss forced him to be present at multiple different championships.

However, in 2019 he'll be able to focus entirely on Honda's Formula 1 efforts as he slots into the newly formed role. From April 1, he'll become the F1 managing director.

Since returning to Formula 1 in 2015, Honda's performances haven't been close to where they wanted to be. The commitment they demonstrated after leaving McLaren highlighted how desperate they are to make it right.

“[It shows] just how important this project is to Honda, especially in its first year back supplying two teams on the grid," Honda said in a statement.