Honda knows what Red Bull expects: 'We must be flexible'

The partnership between Red Bull Racing and Honda ends at the end of the season, so the Japanese engine supplier is entering its final weekend. Toyoharu Tanabe knows that the season could end with a victory for Max Verstappen , although the team does face a challenge.

Verstappen set the fastest lap time in Q3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session, securing first place on the grid. The Honda Racing technical director therefore knows that Verstappen has a good chance of winning the world title.

"Max must finish ahead of our rival," he stated in Honda's press release. "The two Red Bull Racing Hondas start on Soft tires and the Mercedes on Medium, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. There are various possible strategies, so from a PU point of view we must be flexible in order to be ready for whatever the team decides."

Tanabe supports Perez in performance

In addition, Tanabe expresses his gratitude towards Sergio Perez. The Mexican didn't manage to get into the top three on the grid, but helped Verstappen on track to set the fastest time. According to Tanabe that shows the teamwork at the Austrian racing team.