[Team] Scuderia Toro Rosso: Now with HONDA

[EffectiveSprinkles]

Originally Posted by Richard Casto

Until very recently the same comment would apply to Ferrari as well. The implication is that we can’t conclude that Honda will never get it right.

Just like we can never be sure there's no unicorn on the moon.

[BSchneiderFan]

Can anyone think of an example in recent years of an engine manufacturer going from the bottom end of the grid to race-winning pace in one off season? I can’t myself, off the top of my head. But that doesn’t mean it’s never happened.

[Armco Bender]

If Gasly goes to to Red Bull the word down here is Hartley will get another season at Toro Rosso..

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by Armco Bender

If Gasly goes to to Red Bull the word down here is Hartley will get another season at Toro Rosso..

Id say Hartley should be out there pushing for his teammate to gt promoted. Not that Hartley has been bad this year at all BUT we know how short Marko's leash for drivers is. Easier for the team to make the case to retain him under continuity if Gasly is promoted. Personally would ask where they will find a driver better equipped to be the tester of parts on Fridays than Hartley for the price? It's not like any barely Superlicense qualified driver could offer the feedback and who is really out there as it stands now?

[BSchneiderFan]

Keep Hartley for another year until Ticktum qualifies for a superlicence. Or take Norris for a year.

[Peter Mallett]

And if either of them can't keep up, bag em.

[Dixon9]

Ticktum's just another edgelord currently second to a rookie

[BSchneiderFan]

Red Bull seem to rate him.

[wnut]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

Red Bull seem to rate him.

Dieter Mateschitz?

He is the only one that counts.

[Dixon9]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

Red Bull seem to rate him.

of course. having young, wild drivers on the books promotes their carefully built brand image.

[bella]

Originally Posted by Dixon9

Ticktum's just another edgelord currently second to a rookie

not any more he isn’t

actually he’s a good lad as well. smart in a way that i can imagine goes down well with the red bull folk.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Dixon9

of course. having young, wild drivers on the books promotes their carefully built brand image.

It beats quite and boring, at least people talk about the happenings around young wild drivers.

[BSchneiderFan]

Originally Posted by wnut

Dieter Mateschitz?

He is the only one that counts.

I think some people would add Helmut Marko’s name to that list.

[peebee2]

Originally Posted by wnut

Dieter Mateschitz?

He is the only one that counts.

Who he?

Is he related to Dietrich “Didi” Mateschitz?

[Skam85]

I wonder how long it will be before RB sign Mick Schumacher to their young driver stable.

[BSchneiderFan]

The Red Bull Junior stable is looking a bit thin at the moment. Any chance of Fukuzumi at Toro Rosso? Honda would like a Japanese driver, I’d expect.

[ASCII Man]

Honda are fortunate enough that anyone would still be interested in their services, so demanding a Japanese driver should be out of the question.

[peebee2]

Neither of the Jap drivers qualify for the Superlicence currently.

[BSchneiderFan]

Originally Posted by ASCII Man

Honda are fortunate enough that anyone would still be interested in their services, so demanding a Japanese driver should be out of the question.

I’m sure they wouldn’t demand it, but if there were a Japanese driver racing with a Honda unit who also happened to be a Red Bull athlete... Of course, if he doesn’t have the points for a superlicence, then this is all, as Joey would say, moo.

[peebee2]

Lol, only a Red Bull Athlete as part of the STR deal that is

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by ASCII Man

Honda are fortunate enough that anyone would still be interested in their services, so demanding a Japanese driver should be out of the question.

Yes but first, when has Honda made reasonable requests and second, cash speaks volumes and Honda offering a reduced rate or even paying the driver themselves ala Alonso's deal. And no, that's not meant to imply any of them are close to his ability but the larders are bare at RB so the future options at STR are close to nil, they might just be willing to take that chance.

[BSchneiderFan]

At this rate it does look like Hartley will get another year in F1, unless the Norris/Key deal can be done.

[Armco Bender]

A rookie going to Toro Rosso could also be a career killer.
Picking that was a reason Hartley got the drive this year.

[broadrun96]

How many drivers could turn down the STR drive as a rookie though? Norris and Russell would be ok but anyone looking to move up without a team backing them could be left behind if they hold station. I don't know enough of other F2 drivers to know who is linked to who other than those two, or who has enough points to get a superlicense at this point.

[BSchneiderFan]

De Vries is a long-time McLaren junior.