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Honda happy with all cars in points but disappointed with Verstappen-penalty

Honda happy with all cars in points but disappointed with Verstappen-penalty

26-05-2019 17:44
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Honda boss Toyoharu Tanabe was very happy with the fact all four Honda-powered cars managed to finish within the points, although he was also disappointed with the penalty Max Verstappen received for an unsafe release.

Honda had more cars scoring points than any other engine manufacturer during the Monaco Grand Prix, which is a stat they can and should be proud of, despite none of the cars manning the podium places.

Max Verstappen looked the quickest man on the grid at times, and with both Toro Rosso cars qualifying and finishing in the points as well, it's a nice showcase of the progress the engine maker has made in recent times. 

"A strong performance resulting in all four cars finishing in the points, in the top eight," Tanabe said after the race.

"However, it was a real shame that Max got a penalty."

Verstappen's penalty saw him drop to fourth place despite finishing second, which is a shame from a Red Bull and Honda point of view.

Looking ahead, Tanabe thinks the next Grand Prix in Canada could yield good results as well if the team put in the work.

"Both teams performed strongly all weekend and managed the race strategy very well. Now, we take a break from Europe and head to Montréal. 

"The track there is very different to this one, so we will be working hard on our Power Unit development before going to Canada."