Future of Honda in F1 unclear: 'No concrete decisions made''

Honda has indicated to the FIA its interest in supplying power units to a Formula 1 team for the period starting in 2026. But no team has been found (yet) with which a deal has been struck. During a press meeting, the Japanese admitted that it is unclear whether they will return to F1.

Last week, it leaked that exploratory talks have been held with McLaren. The English team - currently running a Mercedes engine - does not yet have an engine supplier for 2026 and beyond. McLaren is not the only team that has inquired with Honda about the possibilities, The Race heard during the press meeting with Koji Watanabe. He is the president of Honda Racing Corporation.

"After we made the registration, we have been contacted by multiple Formula 1 teams,” said Watanabe. "For the time being, we would like to keep a close eye on where Formula 1 is going, and just see how things go. For now we don’t have any concrete decisions on whether or not we will be going back to joining Formula 1."

Still, Watanabe hinted at a preference for a new adventure in the king class of motorsport. "But from the perspective of technological development, we think that being part of Formula 1 is going to help us with technological development. So that is where we are.” For passenger cars, Honda is betting on hybrids that run on fully renewable and synthetic fuels. Formula 1 is also betting on this.