Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes that Honda will be "in the same or a better position" than Renault when the energy drink brand makes the switch to Honda engines next season.
Verstappen has been openly critical of Renault's power unit this season, but with the team's decision to switch provider to Honda next season, things will start to be different.
Honda are introducing a new upgrade in Russia this weekend, and it is expected to overtake Renault for horsepower for the first time.
The driver, who turns 21 on Sunday, was asked about the possibility by Motorsport.com: "Well, let's say I'm very confident that at the start of the season we will not be worse than Renault.
"We will always be in the same or a better position. I hope that it (the upgrade in Sochi) will already be a good step. I know the steps they are making up until the beginning of the next season so it all looks very promising."
Renault drivers Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg have disagreed with Verstappen's early assessments of the engines.
"I don't think so (Honda matching Renault), but we'll see," Hulkenberg said. "Next year there are a few good things coming so I think we'll make some good progress."
Sainz is making the switch to McLaren next season, a team that has Renault as their engine provider.
"I still have faith in Renault, obviously I'm sticking to that engine for next year, in another team," Sainz explained. "We just need to trust, and that is it."
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