After a troubling return, Honda has managed to get it together with their new relationship with Red Bull. The Japanese engine manufacturer has won two races during the 2019 Formula 1 season, including the German Grand Prix where they got two drivers on the podium.
Max Verstappen's form and performance has improved Formula 1's image significantly. The Dutchman has closed the gap on World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton and is within touching distance of Valtteri Bottas in the standings. Jolyon Palmer described the improvement as "frightening" in his post-Hungarian Grand Prix column on BBC.
"Red Bull's engine partner is the unsung hero of 2019. In a new partnership with Red Bull, the Japanese company has absolutely come into its own. The engine is still down on ultimate performance compared to Ferrari and Mercedes, but the progress it has made has been frightening," the former Renault driver said.
"Winning races and now a first pole position in the hybrid era are well-deserved achievements for an engine manufacturer that was dragged through the mud in recent years during its ill-fated partnership with McLaren."
After Daniil Kvyat's podium, Toro Rosso is also improving. The partner team are ahead of rivals Renault in the Formula 1 world championship. Palmer draws upon this as further evidence to the improvement Honda has made.
"Toro Rosso's strong performances this season are proof this isn't just a Red Bull special. Daniil Kvyat took Toro Rosso's first podium for more than 10 years with Honda power in Germany, and while Red Bull started slowly, the progression curve they have shown should be a worry to Mercedes looking forward to next year," Palmer added.