Honda may return to F1 in 2026: 'Not a closed door'

On behalf of Honda, four top men were present at the Red Bull Ring and that immediately caused speculation. In a conversation with Motorsport.com HRC president Koji Watanabe revealed that the door to F1 is open again.

High profile visit in Austria

At the end of 2021, Honda pulled the plug on its F1 project and that was a special moment for many. After years of investment, the brand was finally back at the top of F1, but just then decided to leave again. There might be some regret within the Japanese ranks and so they are looking again to 2026 when the new engines will be introduced.

The Grand Prix weekend in Austria saw a heavy delegation from Honda, including CEO Toshihiro Mibe, chairman Seiji Kuraishi, HRC president Koji Watanabe and director Yasuaki Asaki. HRC is Red Bull's technical partner helping with the transition from Honda to Red Bull Powertrains.

Return for Honda

Watanabe told the media that Honda is always looking at F1. There is no plan for 2026 yet, but the carbon-neutral step that Formula 1 wants to take appeals to Honda. It is not a closed door'', says the president of Red Bull's partner.

Although the plans for 2026 have not yet been officially announced by F1, Honda is in a hurry to make a decision. According to Watanabe, a decision must be made within the next year and a half as to whether the brand would like to return in 2026. It would have to do so without Red Bull, however, as they will in all likelihood enter into a partnership with Porsche from 2026 onwards.