Honda will continue to play a big role: "Totally in Red Bull's control"

Just when the partnership between Honda and Red Bull Racing has reached its climax, the engine supplier is leaving Formula 1 after this season. However, the manufacturer does not rule out a return in the future. Masashi Yamamoto, managing director of Honda F1, also says that the manufacturer will continue to play a major role in the development of Red Bull Powertrains.

Earlier this year rumours flared up about Honda's departure. The engine manufacturer was said to be reconsidering its decision due to the highly successful year with Red Bull and Max Verstappen, but Yamamoto denies this is the case. "Leaving Formula 1 was a very big decision for Honda. Although we’re having good results this year, we never had a discussion to stay here," he said during the press conference.

The Japanese manufacturer will however continue to play a major supporting role in the development of Red Bull's acquired engine project, Red Bull Powertrains. To what extent that will be the case is entirely up to Red Bull, states Yamamoto. "It will be totally controlled by Red Bull but in accordance with Red Bull’s request and also to support as much as possible the F1 activity for AlphaTauri and Red Bull, Honda will make our best," he continued.

Whether Yamamoto will stay involved in the project is yet to be seen. For now, the focus is on winning the world championship. "After that, we'll report to the headquarters in Japan and start thinking about it," the Japanese concludes.