Max Verstappen becomes accustomed to new Honda engine

Max Verstappen has insisted Honda is staying true to their word and delivering on "everything" they promised ahead of their inaugural season with Red Bull. He's also picked valuable lessons from the pre-season tests in Barcelona. 

The engine caused no real problems during two weeks of testing in Barcelona. With just over a week until the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen confirms he's pleased with the work Honda has carried out.

"Well, everything they've promised is there. So, I'm happy about that. It's been different [to] the last few years. They are very open and honest. What they say, they deliver. That's fair," Verstappen said in a conversation with motorsport.com.

Verstappen completed four days of testing in Barcelona despite doubt on the final day due to Pierre Gasly's crash. During this time, it's clear he's become accustomed to the new style of engine.

"It's a completely different engine how it runs, and how you pick up the throttle, the way you downshift and upshift. It's a different world," he added.

"Of course I have the experience of the Renault engine and now this one. You try to take positives out of both because not everything was negative last year. You learn from it and try to share your opinions.

"They try to work with things, you give your ideas of what maybe we can improve, and I think it works really well like that."