Honda power may be only option for Toro Rosso

Auto Motor und Sport have reported that amid the Ferrari and Red Bull negotiations the Maranello marque may simply not have the time or capacity to also equip Toro Rosso.

Hence prompting ‘engine silly season’ speculation of Honda power being an option for the energy drinks’ junior team. As the works team, McLaren is reportedly opposed to the idea of customers at present, but the FIA may be pushing for Honda to start pulling its weight by also working with other teams.

An FIA source said: “The special status of the exclusive contract (for McLaren) was for one year only, and a concession to Honda to facilitate their entry.”

Selling to Toro Rosso may also help Honda out financially, particularly as McLaren-Honda’s woeful performance in 2015 is set to cost the team millions in lost prize and sponsor money.

“We have to compensate somehow for the losses,” McLaren team boss Eric Boullier said. “But that is not to say that Honda must automatically pay for it.”