F1 News

Verstappen hails Honda's first ever podium finish

Verstappen hails Honda's first ever podium finish

18-03-2019 13:00 Last update: 13:02
4
Author profile picture

Bobby Vincent

Max Verstappen has hailed engine-supplier Honda following his third-place finish on Sunday in Melbourne, and the Japanese manufacturer's first-ever podium finish in the hybrid era.

Verstappen qualified in fourth and managed to overtake Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari to secure a podium finish in the opening grand prix of the season.

This was Red Bull Racing's first race with a Honda engine and the 21-year-old had to fight hard for his place after a highly-entertaining battle with Vettel on track.

With the Dutchman eventually coming out on top at Albert Park - he then pressured five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was in second-place behind his team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

"To be able to challenge Lewis at the end of the race and overtake Seb on-track, which around here is very difficult, is very positive," Verstappen said following the race.

"We had a little advantage with the tyres but it was satisfying to pressure Lewis even though I couldn't get quite close enough to overtake him. The car was working really well and we also look strong on the straights which is hopefully a good sign for the rest of the season."

The podium finish for Max means Honda have recorded its first ever top-three finish in the V6 age - with its last ever podium finish coming back in 2008 when Rubens Barrichello finished in P3 at Silverstone.

But Verstappen has been left very impressed by the new-look Red Bull power unit: "I am very happy for the team and also for Honda to finish on the podium today. Since we started working together, it has been amazing and I am really enjoying the partnership, so this is a well-deserved third-place for all of us."