P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda will leave Red Bull to partner with Aston Martin for 2026, but Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe hopes to work with Max Verstappen again in the future.
According to Honda Racing Corporation’s president, Koji Watanabe, Max Verstappen will be missed by Honda when it switches to Aston Martin in 2026. Despite Verstappen being tied to Red Bull until 2028, it seems unlikely that Honda will collaborate with him again in the near future. Since 2021, Verstappen and Red Bull have achieved three consecutive drivers’ championships with Honda power, but Honda decided to exit Formula 1 by the end of the season. Honda will partner with Aston Martin for the 2026 rule changes and reunite with Fernando Alonso. Watanabe expressed hope that Honda will get the chance to collaborate with Verstappen again in the future, emphasizing their strong relationship. Verstappen’s success on the track and his partnership with Red Bull are highly valued by both Honda and Watanabe.
