Honda wants new partnership Verstappen: 'Max is hugely important'

Max Verstappen loves Honda, and Honda loves Max Verstappen. At the end of 2025, the Japanese engine manufacturer will say goodbye to Red Bull Racing to team up with Aston Martin. Honda says they will miss Verstappen and hopes to work with the Dutchman again in the future.

Verstappen recently waxed lyrical about his collaboration with Honda. The Japanese manufacturer will always have a special place in the heart of the three-time world champion. He also stressed that there are many great things to come in the partnership between Honda and Red Bull, which continues until 2025.

Honda loves Verstappen

According to HRC chief Koji Watanabe, Verstappen's feelings are mutual. "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," he said in a conversation with Motorsport.com.

"He is hugely important of course. He is currently the number one driver in Formula 1," Watanabe answers a question about the role Verstappen has played in Honda's current success. He stresses that the combination of driver, team management and equipment is crucial, and the Dutchman is an important part of that.

Something else Honda particularly appreciates in the Red Bull driver is mutual respect. With that, Watanabe points to the fact that Verstappen often thanks Honda and shows his appreciation for the manufacturer in various ways. An example of such a moment was Verstappen's first victory since partnering with the Japanese brand. On the podium, Verstappen pointed to Honda's logo. "That was a special day," Watanabe looks back.

The HRC chief hopes that 2025 will not mark the end of a partnership with Verstappen. He stresses that a new collaboration is unlikely in the short term but says he definitely envisages a reunion after his contract expires in 2028.