Honda chiefs have paid tribute to outgoing Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley, thanking the New Zealander for his assistance with engine development.
Hartley stepped up to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso late in 2017 and remained in the seat for the full 2018 campaign, when the Faenza-based squad linked up with Honda.
Honda made substantial gains through the course of the campaign and ran competitively in the midfield, ahead of its tie up with Red Bull for 2019.
Toro Rosso confirmed on Monday that it had signed Alexander Albon as Daniil Kvyat’s team-mate for 2019, leaving Hartley without a seat.
“He was very strong on the engineering side, always giving very precise and useful feedback, based on his great experience working with hybrid power units and as a double World Champion and Le Mans winner in LMP1,” said Honda engine chief Toyoharu Tanabe.
“That feedback accelerated our development in terms of set-up work, which helped us progress over the course of the year.
“Thank you Brendon and we wish you all the very best for the future.”
General Manager Masashi Yamamoto pointed to Hartley’s third-row start on the grid at the Japanese Grand Prix as a season highlight.
“On behalf of Honda, I would like to express my thanks to Brendon for all his hard work this year,” he said.
“Brendon is always a friendly and charming person who immediately embraced Japanese culture and Honda’s way
“It gave everyone at Honda so much power and confidence in what we were doing this year after several difficult seasons.
“I particularly remember when he qualified sixth at our home race in Suzuka. That meant a lot to Honda. We will miss him and wish him all the best for the future.”
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