Verstappen: "I am very, very impressed with the way they are working"

Max Verstappen had his best season in terms of race wins in 2019 and the Red Bull driver has paid tribute to the improvements Honda have made during the course of the year.

Verstappen had a standout year and many considered him the best driver of the year. His victories in Austria, Germany and Brazil helped him finish third in the Drivers' Championship only behind the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Despite his teammates failing to secure any more victories for Red Bull and Honda the season is still largely seen as a success in their first season in partnership.

Verstappen told Autosport that he was happy with the progress the engine provider has made this year.

“I think it went very well,” Verstappen said.

“The beginning is always guessing what they’re going to bring throughout the year, but I think they’ve made some really big improvements. What was very important compared to what we have before was the reliability.

“This year, we’ve never retired because of a Honda issue. If you want to fight for a World Championship, that is what you need.

“So I am very, very impressed with the way they are working.

“I really love working with them because they are people of not too many words – and that’s exactly like me! But very focused on what they have to do.

“I just really, really enjoy working with them. They are very professional."