Honda admits that it hopes it can rekindle its relationship with Max Verstappen in Formula 1 as it prepares to move on from Red Bull to partner with Aston Martin.
Honda has been the engine manufacturer that has supplied Red Bull and Verstappen’s record-breaking dominance which has him gunning for a fourth title this term.
The Japanese marque rebounded from a disastrous spell with McLaren upon its return to F1 in 2015 to power Red Bull to the last two Constructors’ Championships.
But despite Honda reversing its decision to exit F1 at the end of 2021, Red Bull has set up its own Powertrains complex to work on the all-new powertrain regulations.
Instead, Honda struck a deal with Aston Martin to become the Silverstone-based squad’s supplier, meaning Verstappen’s ties to the brand will end at the end of 2025.
The Dutchman retains a deal with Red Bull through 2028 and has been vocal about retiring when that expires and pivoting his interest towards other racing ventures.
However, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has told Autosport that it wishes to reunite with the reigning F1 champion
“I don’t think that day will come within a short period of time, but if both continue their Formula 1 activities in the future then we hope that we can work together again one day,” he said.
“It is a very good relationship. We trust each other and also the Honda workers love Max. We are proud to work together with Max, so we will miss him in the future.
“But we still have two years together and we promise to do our best to win another World Championship together with Max and Red Bull.”
“He is so important. He is the number one Formula 1 driver now.
“Of course, the team management is important and the machinery is important as well, but the combination is crucial and one important piece of that is Max.”
Watanabe selected Verstappen’s win at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix, delivering Honda’s first F1 success in 13 years, as his standout highlight from the partnership.
Verstappen’s rapport with the manufacturer increased tenfold when he pointed to its logo as he stepped onto the podium to celebrate Red Bull-Honda’s maiden win.
“My biggest memory is him pointing at the Honda logo on the podium in Austria at the Red Bull Ring,” Watanabe recalled.
“I was there, that was a very special moment for me. I was standing under the podium and that day was so special.
“He always thinks about Honda and says ‘thank you, Honda’ a lot. He expresses his thoughts to the outside world about Honda, which is also important for all the people working for Honda.”
A departure from Red Bull while it remains the pre-eminent force appears improbable, but tension within the team has seen Verstappen linked with a move elsewhere.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has outlined that Verstappen is his top target to replace Lewis Hamilton, who will make the blockbuster switch to Ferrari in 2025.
But while Verstappen has been respectful of Wolff’s public pursuit, the three-time champion has expressed that he is not considering a Red Bull exit at this point in time.
Meanwhile, Honda is guaranteed to reunite with Fernando Alonso again once its arrangement with Aston Martin begins following the news that he’s extended his deal.
Alonso launched public outbursts against Honda’s uncompetitive position during his second McLaren stint, labelling its power unit a ‘GP2 engine’ at Suzuka in 2015.
However, Honda has stressed that such remarks are now water under the bridge and both parties have admitted their enthusiasm about working together once again.
