Verstappen on Honda: "You need to be patient and have faith in the project"

Red Bull's Max Verstappen has explained that he and his team as a whole need to be patient with their new engine partners Honda, as the Dutchman argues they shouldn't be expecting greatness from the first moment.

The Austrian team announced their two-year partnership with Honda during last season, ending their 12-year marriage with Renault, which included four titles in both championships. All eyes will now be on the straight-line speed of the Red Bulls during the winter testing in Barcelona next February.

When asked whether he's expecting to be a title contender in 2019, Verstappen was very careful with his words.

"Look, at the start of the season I don't expect us to immediately be contending for the championship," the 21-year-old explained in an exclusive interview with Ziggo Sport.

"If I would've had some good results in the first six races, I could've just fought for second place in the championship last season.

"We have to make sure we're close at the start and score as many points as we can. Then, we have to have a season like Lewis [Hamilton], so very consistent. I think that we'll have more of a chance of winning a title then, especially if we keep developing the car during the season like we've done in past years."

It's known that Honda have an incredibly state-of-the-art factory with very hard-working employees, which is why Verstappen urges everyone to be patient with the Japanese carmaker.

"It'll be a long-lasting relationship and I don't expect things to be flawless. You need to have faith in the project and be patient."