Honda is set to end its partnership with Red Bull after being their engine manufacturer since 2019, transitioning to a new deal with Aston Martin in 2026. This move not only sees Honda leaving Red Bull but also leaving its favorite driver, Max Verstappen. Honda states that it will miss the Dutchman and expresses hope to work with him in the future.
Since Verstappen won his first and latest world championship title, Honda has been an integral part of his journey, and this year they are keeping up with Verstappen to win his fourth title.
Read more:Who Broke Max Verstappen’s Win Streak in F1?
In a recent interview, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe expressed sadness at seeing Honda’s relationship with Verstappen nearing its end, despite the driver being contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.
Watanabe said he hopes for a reunion with Verstappen in the future, Let’s delve deeper into the interview with the Japanese engine manufacturing company to understand which aspects of the relationship between Verstappen and Honda have led to Verstappen becoming their favorite driver.
Honda’s Relationship Status with Max Verstappen Unveiled
In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, HRC chief Koji Watanabe, expressed his feelings over his bond with Verstappen over the years, he said “We have a very good relationship with Max. The Honda employees love Max. We are proud to work with Max and will miss him in the future,”
“Verstappen is incredibly important to us. He’s currently the top driver in Formula 1,” Watanabe explains when asked about Verstappen’s role in Honda’s success.
He emphasizes that having the right driver, team management, and equipment is vital, and Verstappen plays a key role in this combination.
Watanabe highlights mutual respect as something Honda particularly appreciates in the Red Bull driver. He mentions that Verstappen frequently expresses gratitude towards Honda and shows appreciation for the manufacturer in different ways.
Honda hopes it is reunited with Max Verstappen at some point in the future, as it prepares to move its engine supply from Red Bull to Aston Martin in 2026.
"The Honda workers love Max."https://t.co/egBA1V4cmS #F1
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) April 12, 2024
One example is when Verstappen won his first race since partnering with Honda; he gestured towards Honda’s logo on the podium. “That day was special,” Watanabe reflects.
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Overall, Watanabe says they have a strong connection with Verstappen and want to keep working with him in the future, even though they still have two more years together.
Gaurang is a writer at the SportsOrbit covering articles related to F1,Gaurang was 14 when he cared more about playing football than studying. But when COVID hit and he had to stay home, he discovered Formula 1. It immediately caught his interest. Since then, he’s been really into Formula 1, watching every race and learning all about it. He still loves football, but now he’s also a big fan of Formula 1, especially Lewis Hamilton. Even though he loves racing, he still looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol.