Honda and Max Verstappen have a strong and close relationship. After facing difficulties with McLaren, Honda experienced a significant increase in performance. Since 2019, they have been collaborating with Red Bull and together have won three World Championships.
However, with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, Honda will join Aston Martin, ending their seven-year alliance with Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Interestingly, in an interview, the president of Honda Racing Corporation expressed his hope to work again with Verstappen after 2026.
Koji Watanabe, who has been working with Verstappen since 2019, believes this may not happen in the near future, but if both parties remain involved in Formula 1, there is a possibility of reuniting one day. Watanabe also mentioned the admiration and affection that everyone at Honda has for the three-time world champion.
Max Verstappen and Honda have achieved great success in F1 since the beginning of their partnership in 2019. During the same interview, Koji Watanabe shared his favorite memory of working with Verstappen and Red Bull. He remembered feeling proud when he saw the Honda 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 was involved in a close battle for the win. After the race, Verstappen made a special effort to involve Honda in the celebrations, which deeply touched the entire team.
