Honda combative: "We will do everything we can, right to the very end"

Honda has started its last Formula 1 weekend as engine supplier of Red Bull Racing. Of course the focus is fully on winning the world title with Max Verstappen. The manufacturer hasn't given up the constructors' title either, according to Toyoharu Tanabe.

The Honda Racing F1 technical director says the engine manufacturer has been concentrating on adjustments based on simulation work over the past week, given the revamped layout of the Yas Marina Circuit. "Today's lap times are already over ten seconds faster than last year's pole time, so it’s clearly a very quick track," Tanabe stated in a press release.

So far, the Japaneseman is satisfied with the performance of all Honda drivers this weekend. "All four cars had a smooth day. As usual we will now look at further improving our performance after studying today’s data," he continued.

Tanabe sees Mercedes being very fast on the track as expected, although Red Bull Racing seemed faster in the long runs in VT2. "I don't expect us to have an easy time for the rest of the weekend," says the Honda chief. "But there are just two more days to go until the end of the season and, right to the very end, we will be doing everything we can in our battle to win the championship," reads Tanabe's combative conclusion.