Max Verstappen heaps praise on Honda for "good progress" in 2019 Formula 1 season

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has praised engine suppliers Honda following a "year of learning" during their first season together in the 2019 Formula 1 campaign.

Red Bull ended their partnership with Renault at the end of the 2018 season and announced they'd be teaming up with Honda for this season and it has been a mixed campaign for the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Verstappen has won two races; firstly in Austria and then Germany not long after. The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from Red Bull at points this season, but has admitted he is excited for the future with the Japanese engine supplier.

"We have already achieved some good results, but we want to take the next step and try to go for the championship next year," Verstappen said. "It was a year of learning with Honda this year and we made good progress. Everyone on the team is very motivated and wants to win."

Red Bull are still undecided on their driver to partner Verstappen for the 2020 season, with Pierre Gasly being demoted to Toro Rosso after half of a season with the senior squad.

Alex Albon is the current favourite after being called up to replace Gasly and impressing in the RB15 since the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this season.