P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe has revealed the Japanese marque felt it had “no room to work together” with Red Bull on its new F1 power unit venture.
Honda initially supplied power units to Toro Rosso in 2018, then to Red Bull Racing in 2019, culminating in Max Verstappen winning the Drivers’ Championship in 2021. By 2023, Honda decided to hand over F1 operations to Red Bull as they prepared to step back, leading to Red Bull creating their powertrains division for a bespoke power unit by 2026. Despite negotiations for Honda to assist with the electrical component, they ultimately signed a deal with Aston Martin to return as their works engine partner in 2023. Honda continued supporting Red Bull’s power units covertly post-2021, but their full-scale F1 comeback in partnership with Aston Martin aligns with the new rules emphasizing sustainable fuels and electrification. However, Honda faces challenges in developing Aston Martin’s 2026 power unit, notably with the new 355-kW motor and lightweight battery required.
