With Max Verstappen' s victory and Sergio Perez ' fourth place in Monaco, Red Bull Racing and Honda finally managed to knock Mercedes off the top spot in the championship. Both Max Verstappen in the drivers' and Red Bull Racing in the constructors' standings are now on top.

Competing with Mercedes

The victory in Monaco was particularly special for Honda. It is the first win in 29 years for the engine manufacturer. "We have been very competitive this year with the development of some really fantastic new power sources. With this win added, we've been able to compete well with Mercedes so far," Honda chief Masashi Yamamoto said in a column for his employer.

Yamamoto would therefore like to express his deepest thanks to the engineers and mechanics. "For their efforts and determination to introduce a power source that can be called the culmination of their efforts in a short period of time. This victory is the result of their efforts."

Fighting for the championship

It is the first time since Honda's return in 2015 that the Japanese have been able to compete for the championship. "I'm very moved by the fact that we've actually emerged victorious now. It's a great feeling to finally be a team that can really fight for the championship, after seven years of slogging since I came back to F1 and to really be at the top. I'm really proud of what our engineers and mechanics have achieved."