Verstappen: Honda better without McLaren

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes that Honda are better off without McLaren following their split.

Verstappen's Red Bull are parting their ways with Renault after a 12-year relationship - and the energy drink brand will have its power unit supplied by Honda.

The Dutchman, who finished P2 on Sunday, believes that Honda are now doing "their own thing" and not following orders from McLaren.

"They (Honda) have been able to do their own thing and build the engine to their liking," Verstappen explained to Speed Week. "They no longer have to deal with the team they were dealing with.

"Also, some new people have come on board, the management is new, and the whole thing looks very good. Of course, we'll have to see how it develops, but it's going in the right direction and I'm happy about that."

Verstappen also mentioned Honda's qualifying pace in the Toro Rossos following the introduction of their new Spec-3 engine at Suzuka.

"I'm very excited about next year, because Honda is obviously very fast in qualifying now," Verstappen said. "Of course, we want to finish this year as well as possible, but the whole team is already looking forward to the next season. Everyone is really motivated.

"The data coming from the test stands is very promising."