Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe has revealed that the Japanese manufacturer’s return to the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026 cannot be ruled out.
Honda had returned to Formula 1 recently, in 2015, in a partnership with McLaren that was terminated at the end of 2017, and then moved to supplying Toro Rosso, and then Red Bull, with power units.
The partnership with Red Bull was accompanied by a significant improvement in performance, which resulted in Max Verstappen winning the Drivers’ World Championship in 2021.
However, Honda had announced, during the 2020 season, its departure from Formula 1 at the end of 2021, a decision it committed to, in exchange for agreeing to the Red Bull Team, and Alpha Tauri Team, to use Japanese power units under the name “Red Bull” and in light of the freeze in engine development.
Now, with F1’s ongoing efforts and discussions with the FIA, championship teams, and engine makers, the goal is to reach new power unit regulations for 2026. While Honda has not discussed the possibility of returning to the championship yet, Watanabe is It is not ruled out.
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He told the official website of Formula 1: “Formula 1 is the queen of motorsport, and we are constantly monitoring what is happening in this championship.”
He continued: “Of course, we recently ended our activities in Formula 1, and so far there are no discussions on the Honda board about returning in 2026. We haven’t closed the door completely.”
“I understand that Formula 1 is currently discussing the engine regulations for the 2026 season and the direction is towards reducing carbon emissions, which is the direction that Honda is taking as well,” he added.
continued: “Thus, we study what the Formula wishes 1 Do it albeit in line with what we’re working on, which is why we haven’t completely closed the door on the possibility of going back. There is no set deadline for a decision, but in the event we decide to return to Formula 1 in 2026We’ll likely have to announce it over the next year and a half”.