As the Formula One landscape continues to evolve, one constant remains the high regard in which drivers are held, particularly those who excel through their exceptional skill and charisma. One such talent is Max Verstappen, whose current contract with Red Bull Racing highlights both the strength and the transient nature of such partnerships.

As Honda prepares for a major shift in its Formula One strategy by becoming the exclusive powertrain supplier to Aston Martin from 2026, there’s a nostalgic yet hopeful undercurrent to its past association with Verstappen.

 

A celebrated partnership

The relationship between Max Verstappen and Honda has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by mutual respect and remarkable achievements. Koki Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, echoed these sentiments in a recent interview with Motorsport-Total.com, highlighting the strong bond that has been forged with Verstappen.

“We are very proud to have worked with Max. The relationship we built was based on trust and mutual respect, and our employees deeply admired him,” said Watanabe. It is a relationship that Honda laments as they look to the future without Verstappen’s direct involvement, at least initially, in their new venture with Aston Martin.

“We love each other and our employees love Max. We will miss him in the future.”

F1 crisis: 2026 F1 cars “undrivable”

 

 

 

A look back at the glorious moments

Honda’s journey with Verstappen has been marked by significant milestones. One of the most poignant memories for Watanabe dates back to 2019 at Red Bull’s home race in Spielberg, which was Honda’s first victory since returning to F1. Watanabe recalls,

“Standing under the podium and watching Max point to the Honda logo was a very special moment.”

It wasn’t just the victories that endeared Verstappen to Honda; his constant acknowledgement and appreciation of the team’s efforts played a crucial role in strengthening their relationship.

“I was there then and stood under the podium,” says Watanabe. “I still remember how Max pointed to the Honda logo on the podium. For me that was a special moment, very extraordinary.” says the Honda chief commenting on the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix, the first F1 win for a Honda engine since the manufacturer returned to the sport.

And Verstappen didn’t leave it at that: “He always thinks about Honda and he often thanks us. He also speaks freely about Honda. All of that is important for our employees,” says Watanabe.

Horner shuts down journalist over allegation

 

 

 

Honda turning point: 2019 Austrian Grand Prix

The 2019 Austrian Grand Prix will go down in the annals of Formula 1 history, not only as a spectacular race, but also as a pivotal moment for Honda, Max Verstappen’s engine partner at the time. The event marked Honda’s first Formula 1 victory since its return to the sport in 2015, signalling a return to form and validating its partnership with Red Bull Racing.

The race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was a thrilling display of skill and strategy, with Max Verstappen, who started from second on the grid, showing why he is regarded as one of the best drivers in the sport. However, the start of the race didn’t foreshadow the triumph that was to come.

Verstappen made a poor start, dropping back to seventh on the opening lap, which seemed to dash any hopes of a podium finish, let alone victory.

What followed was a masterclass in precision driving and overtaking. Verstappen methodically worked his way through the field, picking off rivals one by one. His Honda-powered car showed remarkable speed and reliability, allowing him to close gaps and make clean overtakes. By the end of the race, only Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari stood between Verstappen and victory.

The climactic moment came with just a few laps to go when Verstappen caught up with Leclerc in a tense battle for the lead. After a brief wheel-to-wheel duel, Verstappen overtook Leclerc to take the lead and eventually cross the line first, to the delight of the Red Bull team and the cheering grandstands.

Mercedes on ‘abandoning’ W15 and looking to 2026

 

 

 

Honda’s redemption

This victory was monumental for Honda for a number of reasons. After re-entering F1 in 2015 as McLaren’s engine supplier, Honda faced considerable challenges, including performance and reliability issues that led to a highly publicised and somewhat acrimonious split with McLaren. The partnership with Red Bull Racing, which began in 2019, was Honda’s chance to prove its mettle and restore its reputation at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Verstappen’s win in Austria was Honda’s first Formula One victory since 2006, breaking a 13-year drought and demonstrating that Honda could build a winning power unit in the modern era of the sport. It validated Honda’s technical strategies and developments, demonstrating the advances in power unit performance and reliability.

Alpine F1 sale now with “conditions”

 

 

 

Impact and legacy

The significance of this victory went beyond technical validation; it was a symbolic victory that rejuvenated the Honda team and its fans around the world. It confirmed the potential of the Red Bull-Honda partnership and was a morale booster for everyone involved, from the engineers to the pit crew.

The race was a turning point that re-established Honda as a competitive and reliable engine manufacturer in Formula One.

Mercedes engineer contradicts Wolff

 

 

Outlook for the future

Despite the impending separation due to differing contractual commitments – Verstappen with Red Bull and Honda with Aston Martin – Watanabe remains hopeful. “We will enjoy our final seasons together to the fullest and aim for more championship titles,” he said, adding a wistful note about the possibility of reuniting in the future.

“If the circumstances are right and we both continue in F1, hopefully we can work together again at some point.”

Horner to give evidence as affair reopened

 

 

 

Verstappen’s career path and potential changes

Speculation about Verstappen’s post-Red Bull career moves has swirled around the motorsport community. His commitment to Red Bull is unwavering, but internal dynamics within the team and his own aspirations could influence his decision-making process.

Moreover, significant interest from other teams, including a public overture from Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, positions Verstappen as a hot commodity in the driver market.

Shifting allegiances and strategic recruitment by rival teams adds another layer of complexity. For example, Aston Martin’s active pursuit of Adrian Newey, the acclaimed designer behind Verstappen’s winning cars, could influence future decisions. Although Fernando Alonso’s recent contract extension with Aston Martin secures his position, it does not necessarily close the door for Verstappen, whose future moves remain the subject of intense speculation.

“He is currently the best in the field. Of course, team management and technology are also important, but the combination is crucial. And Max is an important piece of the puzzle,” says Watanabe.

As the 2026 F1 season approaches with its new orientations and partnerships, the motorsport world is watching closely. Honda’s anticipation of its new role with Aston Martin is tinged with bittersweetness as it prepares to say goodbye, at least temporarily, to a driver who has been not only a champion on the track, but also a valued member of the Honda family.

The future may hold a reunion for Honda and Verstappen; until then, both will cherish the memories and hope to cross paths again in the high-speed, ever-evolving world of Formula One.

READ MORE – Red Bull: Steiner spectacular F1 comeback

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS: Ocon split from Alpine, two teams linked to the Frenchman

The Renault Alpine factory team has been one of the most troubled teams of Formula 1 over the last few months. Things are not going well on the track and behind the scenes. Esteban Ocon has had enough and is reportedly considering a move on. Two teams have already been linked with the Frenchman.

Esteban Ocon’s current contract with Alpine expires at the end of the 2024 season. What happens next for the Frenchman is anyone’s guess. The current trend is clearly towards a farewell. The 27-year-old appears to have two possible destinations in mind…READ MORE ON THIS STORY