Tanabe disappointed: "Not the best of results for the Honda drivers"

It was not a strong day for the cars powered by Honda engines. The best performing driver of the Japanese engine manufacturer was Sergio Perez who only managed ninth place. Honda chief Toyoharu Tanabe was also not pleased with the performance.

Tanabe not satisfied with the results

According to Tanabe, it was difficult for the teams to find the right time to go to slicks when the track was drying during qualifying. "Even in Q3 the track was still quite slippery," he revealed on the website of his employer.

"It was not the best of results for the Honda drivers today: Checo was the highest placed in 9th, while Pierre and Yuki are 12th and 13th, unable to get into Q3," the Japanese engineer continued. Verstappen was not in action during qualifying and only drove an out-lap before going straight back in. The Dutchman already knew he would start from the back of the grid due to an engine change.

Honda bets on dry conditions

"Now, we will do our best to prepare for what should be a dry race, with the intention of getting all four of our drivers to move up the order, getting all the potential out of their cars," Tanabe concluded.