Masashi Yamamoto, the executive director at Honda F1, is hopeful that the gap to Mercedes is getting smaller. Honda have been increasing their performance and are hopeful that they can take the challenge to the top team before too long.
“I think so," Yamamoto said to the Japanese Autosportweb when asked if the gap to Mercedes is shrinking. "In Melbourne, I didn't even think this would be possible. The staff at Honda Technical Research Institute has really delivered top work, I cannot say it often enough.”
“In Hungary, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen fought neck and neck with the Lewis Hamilton Mercedes. It was very impressive and Hamilton really had to do everything.
"Earlier in the season I never expected that he would have such a hard time passing by, it would have been over in a few seconds. I think we have had a very good period," said Yamamoto.
Honda have acknowledged that they have created something special and will hope that they can continue their progression and challenge Mercedes in the second half of the season.