Verstappen: Honda better without McLaren

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes that Honda are better off without McLaren following their split.

Verstappen's Red Bull are parting their ways with Renault after a 12-year relationship - and the energy drink brand will have its power unit supplied by Honda.

The Dutchman, who finished P2 on Sunday, believes that Honda are now doing "their own thing" and not following orders from McLaren.

"They (Honda) have been able to do their own thing and build the engine to their liking," Verstappen explained to Speed Week. "They no longer have to deal with the team they were dealing with.

Verstappen also mentioned Honda's qualifying pace in the Toro Rossos following the introduction of their new Spec-3 engine at Suzuka.

"I'm very excited about next year, because Honda is obviously very fast in qualifying now," Verstappen said. "Of course, we want to finish this year as well as possible, but the whole team is already looking forward to the next season. Everyone is really motivated.