Sebastian Vettel has suggested that Honda's decision to rejoin Formula 1, a year after new engine regulations were introduced, was a "very brave" move.
The Japanese marque have teamed up with McLaren, but endured a miserable Australian Grand Prix, with Jenson Button off the pace in 11th place and teammate Kevin Magnussen forced to retire before the start of the race.
However, Vettel has said that he expects Honda to succeed in F1, despite their difficult reintroduction to the sport.
He is quoted by F1i as saying: "Obviously it was strange to see people struggling to do the laps to the grid but I think it's difficult. I think it shows how complex it really is, how difficult it is to master the challenge of making the car reliable for a grand prix and for the entire season.
"But also it's great to see that this year we have a new competitor in the game with Honda. I think they have been very brave to face that challenge, even though now the price they're paying is very high, but I'm sure they will come back.
"I think everyone has, more or less, been through that process with the exception of [Mercedes] last year, so it seems to be part of the game but for sure it's not great for the people. They want to see the cars and if the cars break before even starting the race that's not right but what can I say? It's a difficult challenge, it is complicated, maybe got a bit too complicated but for now it is what it is."
Vettel claimed a podium finish on his Ferrari debut in Melbourne, after leaving Red Bull over the winter.
Chris O'Keefe
