Max Verstappen begins a fresh phase in his Formula 1 journey as the celebrated partnership between Red Bull and Honda comes to an official close, drawing powerful comparisons to the Ayrton Senna era of Honda history. The Max Verstappen Honda partnership is viewed by Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe as a defining relationship, echoing the glory days when Honda achieved international acclaim alongside Senna.
Verstappen’s Impact Evokes Memories of Honda’s Senna Era
The bond forged between Ayrton Senna and Honda left an indelible mark in Formula 1, creating one of the sport’s most successful chapters. Senna’s initial stint with Honda-powered Lotus began in 1987, but it was at McLaren where his collaboration with Honda achieved legendary status, resulting in three Drivers’ Championships and three Constructors’ titles. Notably, McLaren’s near-perfect 1988 season, during which they secured 15 wins out of 16 races, set new standards in racing dominance.
Senna was known for matching Honda’s ambition and propelling the manufacturer upward with his insightful technical feedback. Koji Watanabe, reflecting on Verstappen through a similar lens, underscored the Dutch driver’s unique place in Honda’s recent legacy.
“Max is incredibly popular in Japan. People now associate him with Honda, just like in the days of Senna. He meant a lot to our company. His attitude and his faith in our engineers have always been motivating. Max will always be in our hearts.”
— Koji Watanabe, Honda Racing Corporation President
Years of Success with Red Bull and the Rise of Verstappen
Honda joined forces with Red Bull and Max Verstappen in 2018 in a test run with Toro Rosso, advancing to a full partnership in 2019. What unfolded was an extraordinary chapter for the Max Verstappen Honda partnership, as the team achieved remarkable success. Verstappen clinched four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ titles during this period, only narrowly missing a fifth championship by two points in 2025.
Major milestones included Verstappen’s breakthrough victory at Austria in 2019 and a dramatic title win at Abu Dhabi in 2021. By the 2023 season, Red Bull and Honda’s dominance became clear when they won 21 out of 22 races, exceeding Honda’s own records set alongside Senna in 1988.
Watanabe highlighted the close working relationship between Verstappen and Honda, pointing to the mutual respect and shared drive that powered their achievements.
“We’ve always shared the same goal: to reach the top. I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to work with such an exceptional driver, someone who treated our team with honesty and respect. That’s something we really appreciate about him. And it’s also why our collaboration has worked so well.”
— Koji Watanabe, Honda Racing Corporation President
Senna Parallels and the Rapid Evolution of Honda’s F1 Engine Program
The frequent comparison between Verstappen and Ayrton Senna centers not only on their driving prowess but also on their determination to outperform the machinery at their disposal. Honda’s leadership identifies this relentless focus and technical insight as vital to the swift progress of their engine program since the renewal of their F1 efforts.
The collaborative journey between Verstappen and Honda officially closed at the Yas Marina circuit. Looking ahead, Honda prepares to become Aston Martin’s power unit supplier from 2026. For Red Bull, the next era entails reliance on proprietary Red Bull Powertrains, with additional technical support from Ford.
Honda’s Hopes for Future Collaboration with Verstappen
Despite their parting paths, there is evident enthusiasm from Honda’s leadership about a possible reunion with Verstappen. As Honda enters a new phase developing engines for Aston Martin under upcoming regulations, and Red Bull transitions to developing its engine program with Ford’s backing, the spirit of the previous partnership persists.
“Yes, of course. Although we never know what will happen in the future, if we could work again with Max Verstappen, whom we have great respect for his fantastic talent and passion, it will be a very exciting reunion.”
— Koji Watanabe, Honda Racing Corporation President
Pre-season testing nears, and the groundwork for the 2026 season is already in motion for both Honda and Red Bull, though now in separate directions. Honda, however, keeps the prospect of working again with Verstappen open, reflecting the depth of mutual admiration and a shared quest for excellence that defined one of modern Formula 1’s most successful alliances.
The conclusion of the Max Verstappen Honda partnership marks the end of a transformative period in racing, but the mutual respect, the records achieved, and the spirit forged between the Dutch champion and the Japanese powerhouse suggest that the impact of this collaboration will resonate throughout the paddock and not be easily forgotten.
