Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing, has expressed a desire to continue the collaboration with Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen.
It’s worth noting that starting in 2026, Honda will supply power units for Aston Martin.
First of all, we will do everything we can to help him win his fifth world title this year. And then our focus will be on our partnership with Aston Martin. But I have to say honestly that I hope that there will be another opportunity for Honda to work with Max Verstappen. I sincerely hope so. People often see the sportsman, but I also have deep respect for Max as a person.
Max Verstappen began his collaboration with Honda in 2019 when the Red Bull team switched to engines from the Japanese manufacturer. Prior to that, the Austrian team had been using Renault motors.
The partnership continued until the end of 2021 when Honda officially announced the end of its Formula 1 program. However, according to Verstappen, the partnership effectively continued: the Japanese company kept supplying engines while Red Bull used their technology.
After six Grands Prix, Max Verstappen holds third place in the overall standings with 87 points.
Earlier, Italian media reported that Max Verstappen received an offer to sign a contract with Aston Martin, which would bring him 264 million euros over three years.
In related news, Red Bull representatives are certain that the Dutch driver will continue to race for the Austrian team in 2026.
