Honda works hard for Verstappen: 'We're not going to ask that of him'

In thin air, Honda seems to have the advantage over Mercedes, but ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Max Verstappen also makes it clear that they don't know what the competition has done in the meantime.

At 2,286 meters altitude, the Mexican GP will be held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Racing at that altitude means you have to perform in thin air. A strong point of Honda, but it has proven to be a weak spot for Mercedes. Toyoharu Tanabe explains the difference.

Performing in the thin air of Mexico City

''It's very different circumstances than normal and so it's definitely a challenge. But I think we can definitely handle it. We have good experiences from the past and did some simulation tests in the run-up to this race. The engine has a different setup and calibration than usual. But even in these conditions it should feel normal for a driver. We are not asking Max if he can handle the engine differently'', says Honda's technical director at De Telegraaf.

Verstappen also goes into the weekend with a positive feeling but also places a comment. ''The last years it was positive for us to drive at this altitude. That was also because of the engine. Of course we don't know what the others have changed since then. We have to wait and see how it goes this year. If we don't get it right, we won't win'', concludes the Dutchman.