Max Verstappen said Honda “never really left Red Bull” and said he would welcome Honda’s return to F1 works, which has strengthened its relationship with the Japanese Grand Prix.
Despite Honda’s official withdrawal from F1 at the end of 2021, Red Bull is set to use the manufacturer’s powertrain until the end of 2025, with the backing of Honda’s motorsport division.
The Suzuka circuit will return to the F1 calendar this weekend for the first time since 2019, when Honda stepped up its support for Red Bull following the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of the home race, it was announced that the full Honda logo will be used on Red Bull and AlphaTauri F1 cars, and that Sergio Perez will become an ambassador for the Honda Racing School’s Driving Academy.
There is speculation that Honda might return to F1 in the workspace to support Red Bull Powertrains following its partnership with Porsche has officially ended for 2026.
Asked regarding the increased support from Honda, Verstappen said: “It’s great to have the full name back on the car.”
“HRC[Honda Racing Corporation]was already listed on the car, so I never felt that Honda had really left.
“It’s special to have the Honda name back on the car just before our home grand prix.”
“We’ve worked really well together. In terms of working relationships, it’s been really fun. Compared to last year, not much has changed anyway.”
“I am very happy that the Honda name is back and more visible.”
“As for the future, it’s too early to talk regarding it now. But in general I think the Honda name in Formula 1 is great. It would be very nice to see them come back once more.”
AlphaTauri F1 driver Pierre Gasly is expected to move to Alpine in 2023 and might be announced in Japan as soon as possible, but the French racer has agreed to back Verstappen.
“When we talk regarding the engine, we always call it the Honda power unit,” Gasly said.
“For us, too, it feels like things have never really changed, except for a little paperwork.”
“I’m glad they’re back and fully committed to being 100% present.”
Pierre Gasly has added surprise to Honda’s exit from Formula 1 following Max Verstappen announced his intention to quit F1 before winning the drivers’ championship with a Honda RA621H power unit.
“I was very surprised when they left following winning the world championship because I was like, ‘Okay, it’s time for them to shine’…they had a reason to quit.”
“They immediately said, ‘OK, we still want to keep our footing, fund our contract with Red Bull and stay committed to the sport.'”
“Overall, I think in the paddock they want to see Honda as a full-fledged manufacturer.”
“They have all the facilities and resources to operate like a top team in F1 and hopefully we will see that in the future.”
Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / red bull / honda f1 / F1 Japan GP
