Gasly realistic: "Honda improves faster than Ferrari and Renault"

When Honda and Red Bull Racing announced that they would be working together from 2018, at first it looked like a joke. Honda had just come out of a dramatic period with McLaren, so the transition to a top team seemed unlikely. However, the Japanese engine manufacturer has proven itself and now Red Bull is fighting for victories. Pierre Gasly has been driving with Honda engine since 2018 when he was employed by Toro Rosso.

"We got some good results right away. Already in the second race with Honda, we came fourth. Last year we even fought for victories and podium finishes. I think Honda has already achieved its first goal, which is to win races," Gasly explains in conversation with Motorsport-Total.com.

At level with Ferrari and Renault

Gasly expects that Honda, behind Mercedes, is the second engine in terms of performance. "Our pace of development is at the level of Ferrari and Renault. You can see that we are getting better faster. However, Mercedes already started in 2014 with a lead and is not sitting still. They continue to improve too. What Mercedes has improved around performance this year is really impressive", says Gasly. "Honda also improved, they have also won this season. Indicates that they've really made developments there."

"We can clearly see that Mercedes has the drive to beat everyone. They have made good progress again this year. However, it is difficult to see to what extent the engine has been the only development. It can also come from downforce. One thing is certain. Racing Point, Mercedes and Williams all drive Mercedes engines and they have all made progress," Gasly said.