Lewis Hamilton admits he is delighted to see Honda back competitive in Formula 1 after a first podium in over a decade in Australia.
Max Verstappen would pass Sebastian Vettel on track to finish third in the Japanese manufacturer’s first race as the engine supplier for Red Bull.
The Dutchman would also push Hamilton hard in the closing stages for P2, and the prospect of more battles to come in 2019 is enticing to the world champion.
“It’s great to see the improvement that it [Honda’s arrival] has had for the [Red Bull] team,” Hamilton told Sky Sports.
“They were with Renault for such a long time and he [Verstappen] was able to pass the Ferrari. It’s awesome.
“The Red Bulls are there with us and I think we’re going to have a really great battle through the year between the three of us.”
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For the Briton, there is also some symbolism in seeing a Honda-powered car back competing at the front.
“I remember growing up watching Ayrton [Senna] drive the Honda [at McLaren] and they were a formidable force back then and it’s great to see them back up there,” he said.
The big factor which will determine Red Bull’s competitiveness is the reliability of Honda, who already expect to take penalties at least twice this season.
“I hope that their reliability maintains so we can keep a close battle through the year,” Hamilton added.