Unsurprised Verstappen could feel Honda's exit from F1 was coming

Red Bull Max Verstappen was unsurprised by Honda's announcement it will leave Formula 1 at the end of 2021 as he felt the decision had been coming for some time.

Honda sent shockwaves through the sport last Friday when it confirmed it would be leaving the sport upon the conclusion of its contract with Red Bull ahead of 2022's major regulations overhaul.

While the Dutchman is saddened by the departure of Honda, that has powered him to four wins since joining forces with Red Bull at the start of 2019, he claims he was hardly taken aback by the decision as he saw the writing was on the wall.

"You could feel it coming," said Verstappen ahead of Sunday's Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.

"Of course, you don’t show it but I knew it a little bit earlier than the announcement. It’s a shame but understandable from their side."

Verstappen continued by stressing Honda's departure does not mean it will abandon engine development for the remaining 14 months of its contract.

"Of course, they’re going to pull out but they are not going to back off now," added the 23-year-old.

"We just keep working together because we have a great relationship, it’s really enjoyable to work with the guys.

"So for the rest of the year, we just keep on going and also for next year, introducing the new engine.

"I’m very much looking forward to that as well, to just bring it to a good end and basically push until the last race."

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