F1: Verstappen Accepts Honda Won't Be "Perfect" Right Away

F1: Verstappen Accepts Honda Won't Be "Perfect" Right Away

By: Francis Joseph

Max Verstappen says he accepts the Honda engine won't be “perfect” right away when Red Bull's new Formula 1 car makes its on-track debut.

Red Bull has switched to Honda power units for 2019 after the Japanese manufacturer make good progress with sister team Toro Rosso the year prior.

However, more gains need to be made in terms of both power and reliability for Honda to score its first podium in the V6 turbo-hybrid era, let alone the first win.

Speaking in a Red Bull video published ahead of the launch of the RB15 on Wednesday, Verstappen said of the new Honda partnership: "We are expecting a lot."

"We’re all very positive, but it also needs to take a bit of time. It’s not like from race one it can be perfect."

“For sure there will be moments where as a team we’ll make mistakes or it’s maybe not going as we want it to."

“What is very important is the team and Honda are pushing really hard to improve the development."

“At the moment I am of course very optimistic, but also realistic."

“Time will tell how we’re going to perform he added.