After Max Verstappen’s World Championship title, the engine maker Red Bull has officially left Formula 1. After six months, Honda is considering a return to Formula 1.
Sometimes it disappears. The engine manufacturer Honda left the partnership with Red Bull after the 2021 season. Red Bull took over the engine under the Red Bull Powertrains name, but it is still HRC (Honda Sport Division) that actually runs the engines.
By 2026 completely new engine regulations will be issued, Porsche and Audi are interested in getting into the sport, and now Honda is also considering a return in Formula 1.
For this weekend’s Formula 1 race at the Red Bull Ring, Honda HRC President Koji Watanabe was in Spielberg. Also in attendance were Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Board Member Seiji Kurashi, and Director of the Human Rights Council Yasuaki Asaki.
“Formula 1 is the king class in motorsport and we’re always on the lookout for what’s happening in Formula 1,” Watanabe tells www.0123go.com.
– We have finished our commitment and we have not yet talked about what will happen in 2026. There is no plan but we have not closed the door.
no Honda is considering a return to Formula 1
At the same time, they are following the evolution of the sport with excitement toward new engines and fuels free of fossil fuels.
– As I understand it, it’s about working towards engines without CO2 emissions. Honda is working in the same direction, if we want to collaborate with F1, we don’t have to deviate from our plan.
He points out that the new participation in Formula 1 may be a good opportunity for Honda.
We have ended our commitment to focus on mass production of passenger cars and fossil-free fuels. It’s also our top priority in the future, but when we feel we’ve reached our goal, we can think about F1.
Three new engine manufacturers in 2026?
Today, there are four engine manufacturers in Formula 1, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull Powertrains, which acquired Honda’s engine when development stalled after last season. There will be a new engine code by 2026, but what exactly it contains is not yet clear. Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault are expected to be there, just as Audi and Porsche have received the green light from the Volkswagen Group and are working to enter Formula 1.
– If we want to get back in F1, we need to make a decision within the next 12 to 18 months, says President Watanabe.
– But until 2025, Honda is a partner of both teams in Red Bull. The details aren’t entirely clear, but HRC is a kind of technical partner for both teams.
In addition, Honda is now considering a return in Formula 1.
Short news about Formula 1
Now it’s time to print your “The Plate in the Carpet” plate. In this week’s episode of Sportbladet’s F1 podcast, we talk about the Austrian Grand Prix, talk about Carlos Sainz’s engine, and discuss Ferrari’s strategy and Mercedes expectations. We talk about the finger of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel’s dad and a few other good things about life between cobs and skateboarding.
Thank you for listening to the podcast and reading the blog. Each of you is equally important in our work to have a good Formula 1 podium here at Sportbladet.
Michael Massey, the former F1 competition captain and the man responsible for crucial decisions during last year’s World Cup final, has now left the FIA. This is confirmed by the Motorsports Association. Massey is moving home to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges, the FIA wrote.
Former F1 coach Bernie Ecclestone has been charged with fraud. Because he withheld about £400m from the British government. You can read more about Bernie Ecclestone here.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!