Honda’s “great winter” most impressive effort yet

Max Vertappen said Red Bull’s pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix shows Honda’s “great winter” job with the new Power Unit.

Verstappen was faster than Hamilton by almost four tenths in qualifying, and the Dutchman says the result is thanks to Honda’s “great winter” job with their new power unit. Honda produced what will be his last power unit in Formula 1, as the Japanese manufacturer will be leaving the sport by the end of the year.

“I think Honda has worked really hard to improve their engine in general. And I think they’ve done a great job,” said Verstappen.

“But in a way, of course, the regulations haven’t really changed a lot and I think we knew what our weaknesses were last year. And it seems like we addressed them so far at the beginnign of the year.”

Talking about Honda’s progress, which he described as the most impressive yet, he said: “That doesn’t mean, of course, that in the previous years it wasn’t impressive.

“I think their turnaround has been very good and their understanding of the engine, I think is impressive.

“It’s really enjoyable to work with them as well. They’re really passionate and emotional, which I like. They’re just flat-out all the time. They want to win. And you can really see that.

“Big credit to them also for the result today. They had a great winter.”