
Giorgio Piola's F1 technical analysis
F1 tech review: How Toro Rosso’s adaptability helped boost Honda
If any team can make a late transition to a new power unit partner, and still be relatively successful, it’s Toro Rosso. The Italian ‘minnow’ has become accustomed to this in recent years, switching to Renault at the start of the hybrid era, before returning to Ferrari power in 2016. The decision to move to Honda for 2018 came later than ever though...

It should not be underestimated just how much work must be undertaken to switch supplier, with each of the power units having their own physical, cooling and even aerodynamic demands. Unsurprisingly this workload did have an impact on the STR13, perhaps reducing the team’s chances of fighting those around it towards the back of the grid.
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However, it can also be seen as vital, as the car became a mobile laboratory for Honda as it continues to recover ground to Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault under these engine regulations. Sister team Red Bull will now make the switch to the Japanese manufacturer in 2019, and here’s the pictorial story of how Toro Rosso went through that process...
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Toro Rosso STR13 halo fin

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 steering wheel detail

Photo by: Erik Junius
Toro Rosso STR13 floor

Toro Rosso STR13 front wing endplate comparison

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Toro Rosso STR13 bargeboard

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13

Photo by: Sutton Images
Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear diffuser detail

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 front brake and wheel hub detail

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 halo detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 front suspension detail

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Toro Rosso STR13 bargeboards

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 bodywork detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso STR13

Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 bargeboard detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 aero detail

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 nose detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Toro Rosso STR13 mirror

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear wing detail

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 bargeboards

Photo by: Manuel Goria / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear wheel hub

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear diffuser

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 bargeboards

Photo by: Mark Sutton
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 exhaust

Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 with rear aero sensor

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

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About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | AlphaTauri |
Author | Giorgio Piola |
F1 tech review: How Toro Rosso’s adaptability helped boost Honda
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