Max Verstappen split the Ferrari drivers in the first qualifying session for Red Bull-Honda's new partnership, and will start the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from fourth place.
Verstappen was 0.834s slower than Mercedes' poleman Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne, having lapped only seven tenths off the pace in qualifying for this race a year ago with Renault power.
"I felt that Honda has certainly made a huge step forward.
"We want them in the mix and we want to have a big fight. Max was driving the car in a spectacular way again today and really squeezed every tenth out of the car.
Verstappen has been encouraged by his team's new engine partner and said during pre-season testing he had already felt a difference compared to Renault.
That positivity has continued in Australia, with Verstappen claiming the engine performed "really well", and that he was "really happy with that".
"We'll find out tomorrow of course how competitive we are [in terms of power] but it just seems very smooth, we are working really well together," said Verstappen.
"I really have nothing to complain to them, they are working really hard and really focused.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said it was a "good start" to split the Ferraris at the first attempt.
"The surprising thing for everybody is how quick Mercedes are, even to themselves," Horner told Motorsport.com.