Is it time to rethink Honda in F1?

Since its return to Formula 1 in 2015, it’s been easy to dismiss and deride Honda’s engine programme. The McLaren relationship, that promised so much, turned toxic for all involved. But this year’s step out of the limelight with Toro Rosso seems to have allowed the Japanese manufacturer to make some serious moves forward. Next year, of course, it jumps back into the spotlight as Red Bull’s engine supplier. Just ask Renault about how that sword can be a double-edged one! And while nobody is expecting it to suddenly be in a position to challenge Mercedes or Ferrari, it feels like that sense of optimism has returned. It’s certainly in the right ballpark now. Charles Bradley, Global Editor in Chief [motorsport.com]( E D I T O R ' S C H O I C E [Honda F1 engine "a lot stronger" than believed]( Honda has made "great steps forward" and is "a lot stronger than they get credit for", according to one of the manufacturer’s Formula 1 midfield rivals Marcus Ericsson. S C O T T M I T C H E L L [Kubica will look elsewhere if he misses 2019 F1 seat]( Robert Kubica will pursue alternative racing options if he does not land a Formula 1 drive in 2019. J O N A T H A N N O B L E [Singapore track length reduced by two metres]( The lap length of the Singapore Grand Prix track has been reduced by two metres as the result of tweaks made to two of the Marina Bay circuit’s corners. V A L E N T I N K H O R O U N Z H I Y [Marquez: Timing of Ducati surge "lucky"]( MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez says the timing of Ducati's upswing in form has been fortunate for his championship hopes. A L E X K A L I N A U C K A S [Nissan buys stake in e.dams Formula E team]( Nissan has bought a stake in the e.dams Formula E team, with which the manufacturer will make its debut in the electric championship in the 2018/19 season. A U T O C L A S S I C S . C O M [Don Panoz: 1935-2018]( Don Panoz, founder of the American Le Mans Series and Panoz racecars, died yesterday aged 83. M O T O R S P O R T J O B S . C O M [Honda F1 racing is recruiting a Design Engineer]( This is a fantastic opportunity to work in the Motorsport industry on the technology of the future in a fast-paced, challenging environment. Get the Motorsport PRIME app today! Because you deserve the best. Available on Copyright © 2018 Motorsport.com, Inc., All rights reserved. Top news of the week Our mailing address is: Motorsport.com, Inc. 5972 NE 4th AvenueMiami, FL 33137 [Add us to your address book](//motorsport.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=e53ee4a8e73f0869b49460dd8&id=fcd20ca7e3) Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. Copyright © MOTORSPORT NETWORK. All rights reserved.