I'd say more recently than that. It was two years ago that while the overall package was crap, most of the other drivers on the grid all agreed the McLaren Chassis was one of the very best through the corners even if the overall lap times were abysmal. There is definitely fault on both sides over the whole Honda/McLaren debacle, but I think the turning point was the end of 2016. By then Honda seemed to have the reliability licked, but power was way off even Renault at that time. They were in a place to start working on power again through and were looking for a big step forward for 2017. McLaren on the other hand pushed them for an almost entirely new package for further aero improvements and then they were back to square one with reliability issues again. On one hand I don't blame McLaren for pushing for the very best, but they probably shot themselves in the foot for 2017 by doing so.
Next question: Will the engines at the back of the Red Bull cars next year badged TAG-HEUER or called Honda ? ASTON MARTIN RED BULL-HONDA is a bit of a mouthful !!
My prediction - they will not spread across the rear wing next season that will be Honda Let's wait and see
Imo Honda will be the biggest visible brand on the Toro Rossos but just a sticker on the engine cover of the Red Bulls.
I think Honda stickers will be where the TAG stickers are now, perhaps larger. At mclaren they also didn't have rear wing stickers. Aston Martin pays a fair chunk for that location, stupid money to throw away, and the companies are clearly not rivals of each other.
Also, the team will be called ASTON MARTIN RED BULL - HONDA, I believe. Palmer, the CEO of Aston has already been asked if there was no clash, and he is quite comfortable that Aston and Honda aren't competitors.
He's Asked but he writes No big check for it whereas Honda is spending big bucks My mind will be blown if Honda allows this absolutely crazy proposition IMO
Your mind could be blown, because apparently Honda do not object to the link with Aston, nor their presence on the cars. They do not see each other as rivals on the market. The interesting bit is that Mercedes owns at least 15% of Aston Martin. In fact, Aston Martins share platforms and engines with Mercedes and AMG !! It's a small world, isn't it?
