Horner responds to rumors of Honda’s return to F1

The Austrian Grand Prix 2019 represents Honda’s first victory since its return, and the first in 11 years. This Grand Prix holds a special place in the heart of the Japanese motor manufacturer. So much so that certain very important members of Honda have been invited by Red Bull to attend the Grand Prix and have an immersive experience in the garage.

Among them, we find Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda, and Honda’s President, Seiji Kuraishi. Also present are Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, and Yasuaki Asaki, Director of HRC. All these important individuals from Honda are expected in the Red Bull garage.

Honda/Red Bull new partners?

What can we conclude from this? With the expected announcement of engine regulations for 2026 on Friday, it is possible that Honda may be open to discussion with Red Bull. HRC is still associated with the Austrian company despite their withdrawal from Formula 1, so there is nothing preventing Honda from making a comeback with Red Bull.

On its side, Red Bull is expected to produce its own engines from 2026 under the name Red Bull Powertrain. No one really knows yet if Red Bull will start from scratch or rely on the Honda engine to design their future engines. It is not impossible that the Japanese firm will come to aid Red Bull in 2026.

Horner responds to rumors.

Horner reacted to the rumors and explained that nothing was planned and that discussions with Honda were not open: “We have an industrial agreement, an agreement under which Honda provides us with engines until the end of 2025. There have been no further discussions than that.”

« Of course, there is the question of Porsche’s arrival in Formula 1, there are discussions about it. It is always very exciting to have brands like Porsche joining our sport. Once again, all of this is subject to what the regulations for 2026 will look like. »