Verstappen tips Toro Rosso F1 gains, even with 2015 Ferrari engine

Toro Rosso's 2015 form was heavily influenced by Renault's poor reliability and performance deficit.

The new deal gives the team access to Ferrari's 2015-spec power unit - compared to the latest versions for fellow customers Sauber and Haas - but Verstappen is not concerned by that fact.

"I think we will make a bigger step compared to other teams who already have Ferrari or Mercedes power," Verstappen told Autosport.

"I don't think they will find that much in the engine, compared to what we will gain in the engine.

"It will be a bit better for us and it's definitely going to help us.

"Hopefully our car is good again - but it's always about waiting and we will only see in the first race weekend.

"I'm really looking forward to next season.

"It gives you an extra motivation again to work hard in the winter time and get physically even better."

Verstappen's team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr said he was looking forward to having "an even more Italian team" in 2016.

"When everyone just flies past you it's very desperate," he said of 2015 with the Renault power unit.

"It can only get better and I have full trust that Toro Rosso will do a step forward in terms of reliability, pitstops, and more grip.

"We have a good chance."