Pierre Gasly says Honda opened up through the course of the 2018 Formula 1 season, having been adversely affected by its previous relationship with McLaren.
Honda spent 2015-17 powering McLaren but the partnership fractured as the marque encountered problems with its overhauled design concept.
McLaren and Honda divorced at the end of the campaign, having classified ninth in the standings.
Toro Rosso took up McLaren’s abandoned supply of Honda power units and while it only mirrored the ninth spot McLaren earned the previous season, the Japanese marque made substantial strides through the course of the year.
Gasly took a best finish of fourth in Bahrain while Honda’s updates convinced Red Bull to make the switch for 2019, with rivals wary of the gains the company unearthed.
“Some people you need to show them respect and trust to really build the confidence,” said Gasly.
“When you start working with them at the beginning it is always a bit cold and you need to know each other.
“Clearly, I could see on their side opening up through the season, us giving them the trust to work together for the same targets.
“They came from quite difficult situation with McLaren the year before, so they were a bit on the backfoot at the beginning.
“They got better through the season and now I’m really happy with the relationship I have with them.”
Gasly, having also worked with Honda during the 2017 Super Formula season, reckons his experience with the manufacturer will prove beneficial into 2019.
“It is more in terms of trust, confidence and the fact that I worked with the team, so they know in terms of feedback what to expect from me,” he said.
“What I mean when we face certain issues and things, I want them to improve.
“So clearly in terms of communication that is the main point that will be useful for the team.
“After in terms of driving, I said it many times, at that level in F1 max after three laps will be completely up to speed with the torque delivery, drivability of the engine.
“So, it is not going to change massively. But more the way to work with the Japanese, clearly this is a good thing.”
