Honda’s partnership with Red Bull has already resulted in three world championships for Verstappen, and there are expectations of further success in 2024 and 2025. Honda has hinted at a potential future collaboration with Max Verstappen at Aston Martin, a Formula 1 team that they will start supplying engines to from 2026 onwards. This potential move comes after a successful partnership with Red Bull, which began in 2019 and saw Honda play a crucial role in Red Bull’s championship victories, particularly during the intense 2021 season against Lewis Hamilton.
Despite withdrawing from Formula 1 before the 2021 season, Honda was enticed back into the sport due to the introduction of new engine regulations set for 2026. They have partnered with Aston Martin as a result. Currently, Aston Martin’s driver lineup appears to be stable, with Fernando Alonso recently signing a multi-year agreement and Lance Stroll expected to stay indefinitely. However, Honda has entertained the idea of Verstappen joining Aston Martin, suggesting that he could potentially replace Alonso in the future.
Watanabe, a representative from Honda, shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “I don’t believe that day will come in the near future, but if both parties continue their Formula 1 activities, we hope to work together again someday. It’s a very strong relationship. We have mutual trust, and the Honda employees adore Max. We take great pride in collaborating with Max, so we will miss him in the future.”
He emphasized the remaining time with Verstappen at Red Bull, expressing their commitment to winning another championship together. “But we still have two more years together, and we promise to give our best effort to win another world championship with Max and Red Bull. He is incredibly important. He is currently the number one Formula 1 driver. Of course, team management and machinery are also important, but the combination is crucial, and Max is a vital piece of that puzzle.”
One of the highlights of this partnership was Verstappen’s victory at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix, which marked Honda’s first Formula 1 win in over ten years. Reflecting on this milestone, Watanabe recalled, “My most memorable moment was when he pointed at the Honda logo on the podium at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. I was there, and that day was incredibly special for me.”
He concluded by highlighting Verstappen’s gratitude towards Honda, saying, “He always thinks about Honda and expresses his gratitude to us frequently. He shares his thoughts about Honda with the world, which is important for all the people working at Honda.”