The dawn of a new Formula 1 season always brings with it a surge of anticipation, and the 2019 F1 season was no exception. Among the first contenders to break cover and capture the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts was Scuderia Toro Rosso, who proudly unveiled their latest challenger, the STR14. This reveal wasn’t just about a new car; it signified a pivotal moment for the Italian squad, representing a fresh chapter built on continuity, strategic partnerships, and a compelling blend of experience and burgeoning talent within its driver lineup.
The STR14, resplendent in its familiar livery, made its debut with the promise of enhanced performance and stability. At its heart lies Honda’s cutting-edge RA619H hybrid engine, a power unit that carries significant weight for Toro Rosso. For the first time in four years, the team has the invaluable advantage of maintaining continuity with its engine supplier from one season to the next. This stability marks a stark contrast to their recent history, which saw them frequently switch between power units from Renault and Ferrari. Such consistent technical partnership allows for more refined development, deeper understanding of the engine’s characteristics, and a more integrated design philosophy between the chassis and powertrain – all critical factors in the hyper-competitive world of Formula 1.
This renewed focus on stability and a long-term vision is further amplified by Toro Rosso’s strengthened alliance with its parent team, Red Bull Racing. With Red Bull also making the strategic switch to Honda power for the 2019 season, the two teams are now able to leverage their shared engine supplier to an unprecedented degree. Formula 1 regulations stipulate which components a team must design and manufacture independently – these are known as ‘listed parts’. However, the rules also permit the sharing of ‘non-listed parts’. This strategic alignment means Toro Rosso can now procure a significantly larger number of these non-listed components from Red Bull, optimizing resources, streamlining development, and potentially boosting the competitiveness of the STR14.
The implications of this deeper synergy are profound. Sharing non-listed parts can range from gearbox components and hydraulics to certain aerodynamic elements, all of which contribute to a car’s overall performance. This collaboration not only reduces development costs for the junior team but also provides them with access to technologies and design philosophies that have been honed at the very top tier of Formula 1 by Red Bull Racing. The aim is clear: to accelerate Toro Rosso’s progression up the grid and ensure their drivers are equipped with a machine capable of regularly fighting for points, acting as a valuable proving ground for future Red Bull talent and engine development.
Looking back at the 2018 season, Toro Rosso, despite finishing ninth in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of only a struggling Williams, showed encouraging glimpses of potential with their nascent Honda-powered package. These signs were crucial in validating Honda’s commitment and progress, eventually paving the way for the Red Bull partnership. Memorable highlights included Pierre Gasly’s superb fourth-place finish in Bahrain, a testament to the car’s unexpected pace and reliability. Later in the season, at Suzuka – Honda’s home track – the team’s impressive sixth and seventh places on the grid after a significant power unit upgrade underscored the engine’s development trajectory and the team’s ability to extract performance when it mattered most. These moments, while sporadic, offered a clear indication that the Toro Rosso-Honda combination had the raw speed to challenge the midfield and hinted at a brighter future.
As the STR14 takes to the track, it will be guided by a completely new driver lineup for 2019, albeit one that blends familiarity with fresh ambition. Leading the charge is the returning Daniil Kvyat, whose journey back to Toro Rosso is a narrative of redemption and resilience. Kvyat first graced the team’s cockpit five years prior, showcasing flashes of brilliance that propelled him to Red Bull Racing. After a period away from full-time F1 racing, including a year spent as one of Ferrari’s valuable simulator drivers in 2018, Kvyat brings a wealth of experience, technical insight, and a renewed hunger for success. His time working behind the scenes at a rival top team will undoubtedly provide unique perspectives and data that could prove invaluable to Toro Rosso’s engineering efforts.
Partnering Kvyat is a captivating newcomer, Alexander Albon. Albon’s path to Formula 1 has been equally compelling. He finished a commendable third in the fiercely competitive Formula 2 championship in 2018, hot on the heels of fellow 2019 F1 debutants George Russell and Lando Norris. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he had secured a contract to race for Nissan’s Formula E team for the season. However, the allure of Formula 1 and a return to the Red Bull fold – a program he was part of before losing his place in 2012 – proved too strong to resist, leading him to scrap his Formula E deal. Albon’s debut offers an exciting prospect: a young, fast driver eager to prove himself on the biggest stage, backed by a team renowned for nurturing emerging talent.
The combination of Kvyat’s seasoned experience and Albon’s youthful exuberance creates a dynamic and intriguing driver pairing. Kvyat’s role will likely be to provide stability, consistent feedback, and help steer the team’s technical direction, while Albon will be keen to demonstrate his raw speed and adaptability. This blend is characteristic of Toro Rosso’s philosophy, serving as a critical stepping stone for drivers aspiring to Red Bull Racing, and for Honda, as they seek to refine their power unit in a race environment.
The STR14 isn’t just another car; it’s a statement of intent. It represents Toro Rosso’s most concerted effort in years to establish itself as a genuine midfield contender, benefiting from unprecedented continuity with its engine supplier and a significantly enhanced technical partnership with Red Bull Racing. The team’s ambitions for the 2019 season extend beyond mere participation; they aim to consistently challenge for points, demonstrate the full potential of the Honda power unit, and continue their proud tradition of developing future Formula 1 stars. The global motorsport community will be keenly watching to see if this strategic recalibration translates into tangible on-track success, potentially disrupting the established order of the midfield and setting the stage for even greater achievements for the Red Bull-Honda alliance in the years to come.
Video: Toro Rosso STR14 Launched and Ready for the 2019 Season
Gallery: Exclusive Pictures of the Toro Rosso STR14 and Driver Helmets
Support Our Work: Go Ad-Free for Just £1 Per Month!
>> Find out more and sign up
Stay Connected: Don’t Miss Anything from RaceFans!
Join our community and get the latest Formula 1 news and analysis:
- Join RaceFans on Facebook
- Follow RaceFans on Twitter
- Get daily email updates from RaceFans
Further Reading: Insights into the 2019 F1 Season
- Crying in the Melbourne car park at 2019 grand prix was my career low – Ocon
- McLaren Racing reports reduced £71 million loss in 2019
- Kvyat: Hockenheim podium last year was “my biggest achievement” so far
- How the FIA’s new encrypted fuel flow meter targets Ferrari’s suspected ‘aliasing’ trick
- “He smashed my office door”: 23 must-see moments from ‘Drive to Survive’ season two
Browse all 2019 F1 season articles