2019 'year of learning' for Honda

Max Verstappen bullish on 2020 for Red Bull and Honda

(GMM) 2019 was a "year of learning" for Red Bull-Honda, according to Max Verstappen.

Earlier, it was rumored the Dutchman was trying to get out of his 2020 contract. But now, he sounds upbeat about aiming for the championship next year.

"We have already achieved some good results, but we want to take the next step and try to go for the championship next year," Verstappen said this week at a sponsor event.

"It was a year of learning with Honda this year and we made good progress. Everyone on the team is very motivated and wants to win."

Team boss Christian Horner agrees, saying Red Bull-Honda's current form is "a good sign" for 2020.

"The rules are staying relatively stable, so everything we have learned this year can go into 2020," he said.

"We have always regarded 2019 as a transitional year, and it went well. We can only congratulate Honda on their progress. With a bit more luck, we could have won a few more times.

"Now we have to carry this momentum into next year. Mercedes is still the bar, but it feels like the field is coming together," Horner added.