Honda had prepared well, but 'the result is not the best'

For Honda, it is an important weekend at the Monza circuit. For the first time, a Grand Prix will be held without the use of special engine modes. In the end, the differences between the engines remained almost the same, but still, Honda can't be completely satisfied with the result of their teams.

“This was the first-ever qualifying session run with the new rule regarding a single PU mode and we prepared for it yesterday and in this morning’s free practice", says Toyoharu Tanabe in his review on Saturday. "As we have seen before, traffic was a factor in this session and the result was not the best for both our teams."

AlphaTauri is doing well

Mercedes may have a considerable lead, but as Tanabe also points out, the battle for the final podium place and the rest of the top ten is extremely exciting. Although Verstappen has no guarantee of a podium this time, Honda is able to score points with all four cars.

“Max has been struggling with the balance of his car since yesterday and he was the best Honda driver in fifth, but very close in lap time to those in front. Pierre and Alex were only three tenths slower than Max, but in such a close contest, it meant they were only 9th and 10th. Tomorrow, Daniil will start right behind them in a race which will be as close as qualifying, so the slightest gap could make the difference. We are looking forward to what can often be an exciting race here in Monza."