Max Verstappen takes Red Bull-Honda to the podium of Australia GP

A Honda motor car returns to the podium in the first race with Red Bull; Verstappen, third, rents new engine partner

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Max Verstappen climbed to third place in the Australian GP after an excellent overtaking of Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari.

The first race of Red Bull with Honda engines has delivered the first podium of the Japanese manufacturer since returning to F1.

Max Verstappen finished third and lagged behind Lewis Hamilton in the Australian GP after overtaking Sebastian Vettel as Red Bull, and not Ferrari, the winter defenders, proved that they were their closest opponents.

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Red Bull, previously powered by Renault, had not finished on the Australian podium in the current era of engines, while Honda's last podium came back to his previous stint in the sport in 2008.

"For Honda to have its first podium in the V6 era is a good start, congratulations to them," Verstappen said.

"Regarding the speed we had throughout the race, it was a very good step forward compared to last year.Just compared to the maximum speeds compared to the other two best teams, I am very happy with that.

"The engine worked very well without any problems, so it's also very important."

What can Red Bull achieve in 2019?
The first podium of Verstappen in F1 means that he has now finished in the top three on six occasions, both sides of the winter break.

"Time will tell if we can fight for first place," added Verstappen after finishing behind just behind Hamilton and race winner Valtteri Bottas on Sunday.

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Max Verstappen tells Sky F1 his third place on the podium

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Sky F1: "I think we have outperformed in the race."

The rivals are already starting to take notice.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, said Saturday night in Verstappen: "The Honda has taken a big step forward.

"If you look at the speed track, it looks like a different Red Bull than before.They are very fast in straight lines and that's good to see.We want them in the mix and we want a good fight. "

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