Honda continues to monitor F1’s carbon-neutral future plans, saying “the door isn’t closed” about the possibility of a return to F1 in 2026.
Honda withdrew from F1 at the end of 2021. I wanted to divert F1’s resources to zero-emission technology for road cars. However, in 2021, Honda’s F1 engine won the title of Max Verstappen / Red Bull. Red Bull has taken over the operation of Honda’s F1 engine this season and has not led both championships.
The F1 engine used by Red Bull / Alpha Tauri is manufactured and maintained by HRC (Honda Racing), and Honda has not completely withdrawn from F1. Both teams have HRC batches on their engine covers.
Honda’s success in the 2021 F1 title, a major step towards a carbon-neutral future for F1 ahead of the new rules and switch to sustainable fuels from 2026, could make Honda ready to return to F1 It prompted speculation that it was sexual.
Also, at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Chairman Seiji Kuraishi, President Koji Watanabe of HRC, and Director Yasuaki Asagi (leading the R & D department of Honda F1) paid a courtesy visit to Red Bull Ring as a guest of Red Bull. .. The story of Honda’s return to F1 was boosted.
Honda claims that there are no formal changes to F1 programs, but admitted that it is closely tracking how the 2026 F1 engine rules are progressing.
“Because F1 is a top category in motorsport, we are constantly monitoring what is happening in the F1 world,” Koji Watanabe said at the Red Bull Ring.
“Of course, we have just finished our activities, so there is no discussion within Honda’s company about the 2026 season, so we have no plans.”
“But the doors aren’t closed. In my understanding, F1 is talking to determine the regulations for 2026, and it’s definitely heading towards carbon neutrality.”
“It’s in the same direction as us, so now we don’t have to fork carbon neutral and F1.”
“The door isn’t closed because it’s also a good opportunity to study carbon-neutral F1.”
Koji Watanabe said Honda needs to get its carbon-neutral road car program on track before it seriously considers returning to F1.
When asked what are the key factors for Honda to give a go-ahead to return to F1, Koji Watanabe said, “There are some factors that need to be watched.”
“But now that we’ve decided to finish F1 for mass production (road cars) and carbon neutrality, we need to focus on this side first.”
“And if we find that we can achieve this, we can consider F1.”
Koji Watanabe suggested that a decision should be made by the end of 2023 regarding the time frame for the decision on the possibility of returning to F1 in 2026.
“I don’t know the exact time frame,” said Koji Watanabe.
“But if you want to return to F1 in 2026, you probably have to make a decision within 1 to 15 years.”
Honda’s potential return to F1 is still uncertain, but it could increase its involvement with Red Bull.
Discussions are underway on a closer technical partnership in connection with the change in the Red Bull team’s branding focus to bring the “Honda” name back.
Koji Watanabe said, “Honda will be some kind of team partner for both teams until at least 2025. Details have not been decided yet, but HRC will also be a technical partner for both teams until 2025.” ..
Regarding the change in branding approach, Koji Watanabe said, “I need to decide for next season, but I personally want to make more use of Honda … so it will be a combination of Honda and HRC.”
It was initially believed that Milton Keynes’ operations purchased the engine’s IP rights when Red Bull took over the operation of Honda’s F1 power unit this season in its new powertrain division.
The IP control factor of Honda’s F1 power unit will be particularly important in the discussion over the 2026 regulation. It has been agreed that newcomers will be handed concessions to help catch up with more established manufacturers.
Red Bull argued that it should be classified as a newcomer prior to possible relationships with Porsche, while rivals suggested that Honda’s DNA should be classified as an existing manufacturer.
Koji Watanabe revealed that Red Bull has not purchased the IP of Honda’s F1 engine. Therefore, it will return to Honda after the current transaction closes in 2025.
“They can take advantage of IP, but we don’t sell IP to them,” said Koji Watanabe.
“It’s just a lease, it’s an approval to use IP.”
Category: Category: F1 / Honda F1