Tost: We will fully exploit the synergies with Red Bull

Although they have improved, Honda were hardly challenging Ferrari and Mercedes in the power stakes as they prepped for 2019, for which Toro Rosso took the punches as the 'test team' with the bigger picture in mind.

Summing up the season in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Tost explained why the results were not forthcoming, "We knew before the season started that it was not going to be easy. It was clear that this was a development season for us and Honda."

"When it comes to Formula 1, we had two inexperienced drivers and we did not develop the car as I expected. Unfortunately, there were also deficits and that's why in the end we could not keep up with our direct rivals.

Toro Rosso has been the grooming ground for Red Bull's elite drivers and a fine pedigree it has, having produced the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen they now continue the tradition with Gasly stepping up to the senior team

"Pierre did a very good job," acknowledged Tost. "He constantly evolved. The future will show if he has what it takes. He has a super good base and he knows what is expected of him. He definitely deserves the place and I'm sure he'll do a good job at Red Bull too."

Of Hartley being deemed surplus to requirements, Tost shed little light "There is not much to say. One must not forget that he comes from the LMP1. That's a very different category. Modern Formula 1 is a huge challenge. Brendon improved during the season. It would have been nice if he had finally made it to the points again."

The 2018 season has been the honeymoon period between Honda and the Red Bull organisation through Toro Rosso, the family will extend next year to include all four energy drinks-backed cars.

Asked to sum up the first period of the partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, Tost reported, "It was very good. We've made great progress throughout the year, both in terms of performance and reliability. Once again very labour-intensive winter months are on to update the engine for next year. I am quite confident.

The role of 'test team' may intensify once Red Bull are also on the same food chain, but Tost is not concerned, "That would not be a problem at all because that's how we can improve our own performance and if at the same time it also helps Red Bull, then we will play this role."

"That's to be expected, but we also get the complete support from Red Bull Technology. We will fully exploit the synergies within the framework of the regulations. The cooperation is already fully on target. I expect a good performance improvement," predicted Tost.

The reality is that Formula 1 needs Red Bull and Honda to be a race-winning force. Already only two teams have a chance of winning on any given Sunday, with Red Bull picking up the pieces or ambushing them at some point during the season.

But with Renault, they lacked firepower and by ditching them in favour of yet to be proven Honda is a far bigger risk than it seems, at least from the outside. Insiders such as Helmut Marko, Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Tost, of course, are privy to info that has them all bullish about the prospect.

Using Tost's words to conclude: Only time will tell...