Horner admits first season with Honda has exceeded expectations

Red Bull and Honda's first season together has been a relative success and Christian Horner has admitted the season has exceeded expectations. The team secured three victories thanks to Max Verstappen in 2019.

After Toro Rosso tested with the Honda engine in 2018, Red Bull made the switch from Renault for this season but expectations were mixed following Honda's tough spell with McLaren. 

However, Max Verstappen got the most out of his car this season, to secure three race wins in Austria, Germany and Brazil. Although his Verstappen's teammates couldn't provide any more race wins, Horner is very satisfied with Red Bull's first season with Honda.

"The partnership with Honda has worked tremendously well," Horner told Autosport Magazine.

"From the first race and the podium in Melbourne.

“This really has been beyond expectation. The three pole positions, albeit we only kept two of them and three victories. Nine podiums is a really impressive performance this year.

“It was always going to be [a transitionary year for the team], the first engine change we’ve had in 13 years. But Honda had stepped up the plate in all areas.

"The reliability, the performance increased with each engine, it's been very much a highlight."