Tost sees missed opportunity from Honda: 'They could have overtaken Mercedes'

Not only Red Bull Racing, but also sister team AlphaTauri are saying goodbye to the Honda engine project from 2022. With the steps made during the winter break, the manufacturer seems at least to be able to ensure a glorious final year. In a new interview, AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost gives his view on the situation.

Asked for his opinion of the current Honda power unit, Tost stated, "Fantastic. Honda did a very good job over the winter. And last year too. They have caught up extremely in terms of both performance and durability", Tost said in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport.

The Austrian continued: "It is really a shame that they are quitting now because they have reached a really great level. If you had continued to concentrate, I believe that sooner or later the engine would have caught up with Mercedes, or even better."

Despite this, Tost still sees the Mercedes engine as the team to beat this year: "IIt depends on the route. And it depends on the power unit management, but I think Mercedes is still the benchmark here."