Honda’s Just in Time Formula 1 Return
Honda Badges Made a Return on Red Bull’s F1 Cars in Japan
The sharper among you would have noticed the Honda badges back on the Red Bulls and AlphaTauris at Suzuka over the weekend. And just in time too, as Max Verstappen delivered Red-Bull Honda’s second Formula 1 World Drivers Championship on the trot with an emphatic Honda Japanese Grand Prix victory.
Did Honda Return in Time For its First New Era Constructor’s Title?
It’s unlikely Red Bull Honda will lose its first F1 Constructors Title either. They are just too far ahead. Those new Honda badges on both cars’ flanks are hugely significant too, and they represent a welcome, winning and rare change of heart by the Japanese carmaker.
The Honda logos reappeared from Japan to affirm a newly ramped up partnership between Honda and its former F1 engine customers. Honda left F1 at the end of 2021, officially moments after powering Verstappen to his maiden title with Red Bull.
That saw Red Bull establishing its own F1 powertrain department , while maintained a presence in the sport through its HRC branding. Then it was confirmed in February that Honda would still build and support the current spec power units. And in August Honda extended its support deal with Red Bull Powertrains a
The Honda Logo Returned on Red Bull and AlphaTauri’s F1 Cars
Honda suits also admitted their interest in the new-for-2026 power unit regulations. Now, starting with last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, and continuing until at least the end of the season, the Honda logo has returned to the Red Bull and AlphaTauri cars among some peripheral tie-ins.
“Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology over the course of our partnership,” Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed. “This has ensured the supply of competitive power units to both teams, for which we are very grateful.
“Our combined goal is to continue to deliver dominant engines and achieve the most success possible in the following three years and to celebrate, we welcome the Honda logo back on to the cars. “We are confident that this relationship with HRC will set us up for more success and thank them for their ongoing support.”
We Are very Excited to Return – Honda
“Through the technical support provided by HRC, Honda will fully support the challenges those machines take on to become the ‘fastest in the world.” Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe added. “We are very pleased to unveil our new relationship at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, where Honda served as the title sponsor, and Max won his second title.”
“It’s great to see the full name back on the car,” double champion Max Verstappen concluded. “I mean HRC was already on the car, so Honda never really left, but it was extra special that they are back on the car just before their home grand prix, where we wrapped up our second title.”
I Really Enjoy Working With Honda – Max Verstappen
“We work really well together, and I really enjoy our working relationship. “Compared to last year, not a lot has changed anyway, but I’m very happy that the name is back, more prominent. “The Honda name for F1 is great – it would be very nice to see them come back full time again.”
Images: Red Bull, Honda
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