“I always see an overlap between Verstappen and Ayrton Senna”– Honda boss impressed by Max Verstappen’s efforts at Monaco.
Honda is supplying engine to Red Bull for the last time in their current alliance, as they confirmed their exit from Formula 1 in 2022. The Japanese automobile company has clearly put in efforts for their final year, and the power unit looks excellent.
So good that Red Bull won the Monaco GP, and amidst the glory, Honda F1 managing director Masashi Yamamoto gave a history lesson, as Ayrton Senna with their engine won five Monaco GP.
Yamamoto then claimed that the Dutchman could pass Senna in the number of wins at Monaco, even though he has won his first race over there.
“Honda won the Monaco Grand Prix six times in a row from 1987 to 1992, five of those victories coming from Ayrton Senna,” Yamamoto said on a Honda F1 personal blog, quoted by RacingNews365.
“Coincidentally, this is the first time for Honda to win in Monaco since Senna, but I always see an overlap between Verstappen and Ayrton Senna, who is an exceptional driver for Honda because his driving is very similar to Senna.
“At just 23 years of age, he still has the potential to match and surpass Senna’s record of six Monaco victories and I’m delighted to have helped him take that step.”
Fighting for the championship
Yamamoto also disclosed like Red Bull, even they are hoping to win the championship against Mercedes, and Monaco win was a good booster for it.
“Winning at Monaco, especially in such a difficult race, requires a combination of driver skill, team race strategy, speed in the pits and the power and drivability of the power unit,” Yamamoto explained.
“So winning here is a real confidence booster for Red Bull Racing Honda and a great morale-booster for the whole team as we fight for the championship in the long and difficult season ahead, starting with Azerbaijan. It was an exceptional victory for everyone.”
