Honda and Max Verstappen have a strong and close relationship. After facing difficulties with McLaren, Honda has experienced a significant rise in their performance. Since 2019, they have been collaborating with Red Bull and together they have achieved three World Championships.
However, with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, Honda will be partnering with Aston Martin, bringing an end to their seven-year alliance with Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Interestingly, in an interview, the president of Honda Racing Corporation expressed his hope of working with Verstappen again after 2026.
Koji Watanabe, who has been working with Verstappen since 2019, believes that it may not happen in the near future, but if both parties continue their involvement in Formula 1, there is a possibility of reuniting one day. Watanabe also mentioned the admiration and fondness that everyone at Honda has for the three-time World Champion.
Max Verstappen and Honda have achieved great success in F1 since their partnership began in 2019. During the same interview, Koji Watanabe shared his favorite memory of working with Verstappen and Red Bull. He recalled feeling proud when he saw Honda’s name on the podium after Verstappen’s victory in Austria in 2019. Watanabe also highlighted Verstappen’s consistent support for Honda throughout their partnership.
The 2019 Austrian Grand Prix was a memorable and hard-fought race for Verstappen, as he engaged in a tough battle for the win. After the race, Verstappen made a special effort to involve Honda in the celebrations, which deeply touched the entire team.