Honda keeps hopes of working with Verstappen again alive

Honda are not dissuaded from a future alongside Max Verstappen, despite them swapping Red Bull Racing as partners in F1, and joining forces with Aston Martin

Rumors have been swirling for some time that Verstappen might not stay with Red Bull Racing after this season. The Dutchman has an exit clause in his current contract and has been linked with a move to Aston Martin in 2026.

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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently emphasized that these speculations were 'nothing more than noise', but Honda Racing president Koji Watanabe made it clear that he is ambitious to collaborate with the four-time world champion in the future.

"First of all, we will do everything we can to help him win his fifth world title this year," Watanabe told De Telegraaf. "And then our focus will be on our partnership with Aston Martin. But I have to say honestly that I hope that there will be another opportunity for Honda to work with Max Verstappen. I sincerely hope so."

Verstappen has won Honda over: 'Engineers are dedicated to him' 

Honda has been supplying power units to the Red Bull Racing team since 2019, and Watanabe has only had praise for the collaboration with the Dutchman since then. "I have spoken to him many times and he has always been positive about our attitude and mentality" he said.

"Max is also very good at communicating with the Honda engineers.He talks clearly to them and that has ensured that the engineers have become fans of him and that they are very dedicated. People often see the sportsman, but I also have deep respect for Max as a person," Watanabe said.

Verstappen shares appreciation for Honda

The appreciation between Honda and Verstappen is mutual, as the Dutchman shared after his win at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month. "Honestly, the relationship that we’ve had with Honda has been amazing."

"I’ve really enjoyed my time with them – how they also work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are. They’ve given me so much. Together we’ve won four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ [titles]."

"It’s been unbelievable and also, of course, something you’ll never forget.”