Honda: 'Verstappen should be able to fight for the world title next year'

Honda is leaving Formula 1, despite the success of Max Verstappen's world title this year. The engine supplier isn't, however, leaving Red Bull Racing immediately, as they will still help build the engine for next year.

The partnership with Honda was ultimately a success, as several podium finishes and victories were achieved with that engine in the car. The year 2021 was the icing on the cake with 11 victories and the conquest of the world title. After a partnership with Honda, Verstappen's team will have to provide its own engine next year. They will do so under the name Red Bull Powertrains. Nevertheless, the Japanese are not completely gone.

Next year, Honda will still help to build the power sources, since Red Bull's new factory can only be used in 2023. They certainly won't mind helping out a little bit longer, because they have now seen how great it is to be part of a world title. "We want to make sure that Verstappen and Red Bull can continue to compete for the world championship next year," Masashi Yamamoto, Honda motorsport manager, told Formulapassion.it.