Red Bull and Honda confident: "The negative feeling has disappeared"

Most Formula 1 fans expected that Red Bull would go through a transitional year as the Honda engine made its debut in the back of their car. However, that period seemed to last just five races and now seem ready to topple Ferrari in the world championship.

Ahead of the back-to-back Spa and Monza power circuit weekends, the Honda team usually show some concern. But this season is much different. The Japanese engine manufacturer have made big steps and they're confident going into the Belgium Grand Prix.

"I don't mean to say that we were afraid of this type of circuit, but the negative feeling about these races has disappeared with us. In addition, we already showed last season that we have made enormous strides and we were able to join the power circuits. I think our engine size is very good and in Austria, we only learned more about it this season," Masashi Yamamoto told Motorsport.

Christian Horner also has much more confidence in the power circuits after the summer break. "In Austria and Silverstone, the engine also played a major role and we were very competitive on both circuits. In Hockenheim that was the same case, with a fast car in qualifying and the fastest car in the race itself. So we have really taken a major step on these types of circuits," concludes Horner.

Last season, Max Verstappen was on the podium in Belgium (P3) and finished fifth in Italy.