Honda: “Better team spirit should have prevailed”

What went wrong in your relationship? And what made communication impossible?

The first reason is that we haven’t done a good job. I can offer excuses such as lack of time, lack of discernment regarding our hopes... So many things which, combined with the lack of power, impaired our initial good communication. McLaren was not happy and made it known. Better team spirit should have prevailed, but it didn’t just depend on us. There are two of us in a couple…

In this type of conflict, there are always good people and bad people. Did you defend yourself enough?

I understand what you mean... We had our problems, and McLaren had theirs. I could have highlighted the chassis problems encountered, but there would have been no point in pointing out who is responsible for what and for what. We had our problems, and we were in no position to comment...

Starting from a blank sheet of paper with Toro Rosso, isn’t this a chance for Honda to give new impetus to its project?

Honestly, I don't think we needed a change of scenery, to work with new people. I am embarrassed by how little we have been able to show so far, and to lose our partnership with McLaren. We didn't need a new challenge...

Discover the full interview with Yusuke Hasegawa in AUTO issue 2135hebdo available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.