Max Verstappen, the winner of the first place and the new World Champion, has been a dominant force in Formula 1, thanks to the support of engine manufacturer Honda. However, Honda is now looking to rebuild its relationship with Verstappen as it moves on from Red Bull and joins forces with Aston Martin.
Honda had a difficult period with McLaren when it returned to Formula 1 in 2015, but it bounced back and helped Red Bull secure the last two Constructors’ Championships. Despite Honda’s decision to stay in Formula 1 beyond 2021, Red Bull has established its own Powertrains complex to develop new powertrain regulations.
Instead, Honda has partnered with Aston Martin, which means Verstappen’s association with the brand will come to an end in 2025. Although Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, he has expressed his desire to retire from Formula 1 after that and explore other racing opportunities.
However, Koji Watanabe, the president of Honda Racing Corporation, has expressed his hope to reunite with Verstappen in the future. He acknowledges that it may not happen in the near future, but if both parties continue their Formula 1 activities, he believes they can work together again someday. Watanabe emphasizes the strong relationship and trust between Honda and Verstappen, stating that the Honda workers have great admiration for the Dutch driver.
Despite the future plans, Honda is fully committed to the remaining two years of partnership with Verstappen and Red Bull. They promise to give their best efforts to win another World Championship together. Watanabe recognizes Verstappen’s significance as the current number one Formula 1 driver and highlights the importance of the combination of talent, team management, and machinery in achieving success.
Watanabe chose Verstappen’s victory at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix as the most memorable moment from their partnership, as it marked Honda’s first success in Formula 1 after a 13-year drought. Verstappen’s connection with the manufacturer grew stronger when he proudly pointed to the Honda logo while standing on the podium to celebrate Red Bull-Honda’s inaugural win. Watanabe fondly recalled being present at that moment, which held great significance for him. Verstappen consistently acknowledges and appreciates Honda’s contribution, expressing his gratitude publicly, which is valued by everyone associated with Honda.
Although it seems unlikely that Verstappen would leave Red Bull, given their dominant position in the sport, there have been rumors of tension within the team, leading to speculation about Verstappen’s future. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has openly expressed his interest in signing Verstappen as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari in 2025. However, Verstappen has stated that he is not currently considering leaving Red Bull, despite Wolff’s pursuit.
In other news, Honda is set to reunite with Fernando Alonso once again when their partnership with Aston Martin begins. Alonso had previously criticized Honda’s lack of competitiveness during his second stint with McLaren, even referring to their power unit as a ‘GP2 engine’ at Suzuka in 2015. However, both Honda and Alonso have moved past those remarks, and they are now eagerly looking forward to working together again.