'Grateful' Honda deeply touched by passionate Verstappen

Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe was "grateful" following the Japanese Grand Prix after Max Verstappen showed "passion" on his way to a famous victory. 

In what was Honda's final home race before leaving Red Bull at the end of the season to join Aston Martin, Verstappen gave the Japanese manufacturer the perfect farewell. 

The reigning world champion stunned Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to claim a shock pole position, which was achieved by breaking the Suzuka lap record. 

It was one of the all-time great pole position laps by the Dutchman, who calmly converted it into victory ahead of the two McLarens.

The result left Honda elated, who value working with the four-time world champion.

"Everything was perfect and he recorded his fourth consecutive victory here at Suzuka," Watanabe told As-web. 

"I am very happy and grateful for his victory at this circuit, his last within our partnership with Red Bull. This partnership, within which we get to work with Max, is an asset for us."

Verstappen has received staggering amounts of praise for his display in Japan, having pushed the troublesome RB21 over its limits. 

It left Watanabe stunned, who believes Verstappen recognised the importance of delivering for Honda one final time in Suzuka.

"Not only did his technical driving skills come to the fore, it seemed he was driving with passion," added Watanabe. "He was well aware that this was his last race at Suzuka with Honda. 

"That played into his mind from the beginning and you could see that passion in the way he drove. We were very moved watching him, he was really great."