Honda details Red Bull powertrains blocked 2026 deal
Honda Racing Corporation president reveals how Red Bull's decision to establish their own engine division made continued partnership impossible beyond 2025, marking the end of their championship-winning collaboration.
Japanese manufacturer's racing president explains how Red Bull's in-house engine division made continued collaboration impossible for F1's new era
The establishment of Red Bull Powertrains effectively closed the door on any possibility of Honda extending its Formula 1 partnership with the championship-winning team beyond 2025, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has revealed.
The decision marks a definitive end to one of F1's most successful recent technical partnerships, which has delivered four consecutive world championships with Max Verstappen since 2021.
The point of no return
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Watanabe explained how Red Bull's strategic move to create their own engine department in response to Honda's initial withdrawal announcement created an insurmountable obstacle to future collaboration.
"When we withdrew from Formula 1, Red Bull decided to establish its own power unit company.That is why there was basically no room to work together."
Watanabe stated.
Evolution of the partnership
The relationship between Honda and Red Bull has undergone several transformations since Honda's official withdrawal announcement at the end of 2021.
Despite initially planning to exit the sport completely, Honda continued providing technical support at Red Bull's request, maintaining full operational control of the power unit program throughout their championship-winning campaigns.
Alternative scenarios explored
The complexity of Formula 1's 2026 power unit regulations, which will feature 50 percent electrification alongside sustainable fuels and active aerodynamics, led both parties to explore creative solutions for potential continued collaboration.
Watanabe disclosed that discussions included the possibility of a split program, where Red Bull Powertrains would handle the internal combustion engine while Honda would manage the electrical components.
However, this arrangement was ultimately deemed "impossible" due to practical challenges.
Future directions
While Red Bull forges ahead with its Ford partnership for 2026, Honda has secured a new technical partnership with Aston Martin, announced in May 2023. Watanabe emphasized the appeal of F1's new technical regulations, stating,
"From Honda's point of view, the new F1 regulations for 2026, with the combustion engine being 50 percent and the electrical parts being 50 percent, are very attractive to both Honda and Honda Racing."
The development of these new power units presents significant challenges, with Watanabe recently acknowledging at the Daytona 24-hour race that Honda is "struggling" with the demands of the new specifications.
However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner remains confident in Honda's capabilities, stating,
"They're a very capable company and they've got great strength. I am sure they'll have a competitive power unit come 2026."
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