P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda hopes Verstappen relationship won’t end for good in F1 2026
Honda has powered Verstappen to all three of his world championships, making him the favorite to win a fourth title this year. Their successful partnership with Red Bull led to two constructors’ championships. However, their relationship is set to end in 2026 when Honda partners with Aston Martin. Despite initially planning to leave F1 in 2021, Honda reversed the decision after Red Bull started their own powertrains division. Watanabe expressed sadness about the nearing end of their partnership but hopes for a reunion in the future. Honda’s best memory is Verstappen’s 2019 win in Austria, where he celebrated Honda on the podium. With talks of retirement, a future reunion with Honda seems unlikely unless a surprise move to Aston Martin happens.
