The partnership between Honda and Red Bull has already resulted in three world championships for Verstappen, with expectations of more success in 2024 and 2025. Honda has hinted at a possible future collaboration with Max Verstappen at Aston Martin, a Formula 1 team for which they will begin supplying engines from 2026. 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, especially during the intense 2021 season against Lewis Hamilton.
Despite withdrawing from Formula 1 before the 2021 season, Honda was lured back to the sport due to the introduction of new engine regulations set for 2026. As a result, they have partnered with Aston Martin. Currently, Aston Martin’s driver lineup seems stable, with Fernando Alonso recently signing a multi-year deal and Lance Stroll expected to stay indefinitely. However, Honda has been considering the idea of Verstappen joining Aston Martin, suggesting that he could potentially replace Alonso in the future.
Watanabe, a Honda representative, 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 activities in Formula 1, we hope to work together again someday. It’s a very strong relationship. We have mutual trust, and Honda employees love Max. We are very proud to collaborate with Max, so we will miss him in the future.”
He emphasized the remaining time with Verstappen at Red Bull, expressing his commitment to win 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. Currently, he is the number one Formula 1 driver. Of course, team management and the machine 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 win in Formula 1 in over ten years. Reflecting on this milestone, Watanabe recalled: “My most memorable moment was when he pointed to the Honda logo on the podium at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. I was there, and that day was incredibly special to 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.”
