Lewis Hamilton says it is “fantastic” to have seenꦏ Red Bull and engine partner Honda make so much progress through the 2019 Formula 1 season, allowing it to battle with Mercedes at the front o🌺f the field in recent races.

After starting the year as the thiꦇrd-fastest team firmly behind both Mercedes and Ferrari, Red Bull has since made a big step forward, taking its first victory since linking up with Honda at the Austrian Grand𓄧 Prix in June.

Max Verstappen tasted further success in Germany, an🦋d enjoyed a close battle with Hamilton for victory at the Hungaroring ahead of the summer break.

Hamilton was full ⛎of praise for the recent strides made by Red Bull and Honda following his fight with Verstappen.

“It’𓂃🃏s really fantastic to see Red Bull’s progress,” Hamilton said when asked by mahbx.com about his tussle with Verstappen.

“We’re in a period of tim🀅e, particularly this track has﷽ been a track that they’ve always been particularly fast in previous years, and it’s really awesome for Honda as well, to see their progression.

“They’ve got a lot of power in that e🐎ngine. The Red Bull was quicker than us on a single lap, and we thought we were relatively level in the race, but we were just able to keep up with them and match their times.

“I think it’s goi💯ng to contin♋ue for the races to come. Even the faster circuits - the engine’s going to be great in Monza, so hopefully we’ll see this battle continue for the rest of the season.

“And, fingers crossed, Ferrari also will take a step back towards us at some point over the next races🃏.”