Verstappen would be powered by Honda from 2019 onwards, following Red Bull's switch from customer Renault to works Honda power units for the 2019 season. After Ricciardo moved to the Renault team for 2019, Verstappen was joined at Red Bull (initially) by Pierre Gasly. Verstappen qualified in 4th and finished 3rd in Australia, the first podium finish for a Honda-powered driver since the 2008 British Grand Prix. Verstappen was on course for a second 3rd-place finish in Bahrain before a late safety car prevented him from overtaking Charles Leclerc's ailing Ferrari, keeping him in 4th place. Two more 4th-place finishes followed in China and Azerbaijan, before a second podium came as he finished 3rd in Spain. In Monaco, Verstappen qualified in 3rd place. He was released into the path of Valtteri Bottas during the drivers' pit stops, gaining 2nd place but receiving a 5-second penalty as a result. Verstappen crossed the line in 2nd place but was demoted to 4th by the penalty.