In 2021 the Honda has “left” the world of motorsports of F1. Goodbye though only relative given that the Japanese company continues to assemble engines for Red Bull. But from the latest rumors there is talk of a return by Honda in the F1 Circus.
New rules, old knowledge
The possibility of return by HRC, which is always the case anyway remained as a sponsor of Red Bull, could materialize thanks to new rules on power units which will arrive in 2026. The philosophy that Liberty Media wants to adopt in the motor sector goes meeting at Honda and, as we have seen, also ad other giants of the automotive world (Porsche e Audi). I am still just rumors born in the paddock in Austria following an interview given by HRC President Koji Watanabe to Austrian journalists in which he explained: " Formula 1 it is the highest category in motorsport, we always follow what happens there. Nothing has been discussed within the company regarding the 2026 season, but it's not a closed door".
Eco-sustainable engines as Japan likes
In the same interview, Watanabe confirmed that the direction that F1 is taking is the same one that Honda wants to take even outside the world of F1, but in general in everyday life and, therefore, in the cars sold in dealerships around the world. “I understand that F1 is discussing to decide the regulations for 2026, and the direction is certainly that of zero CO2 emissions. And this is our path too. Therefore, let's not close the doors to a return: of course, if we wanted to return we would probably have to decide within a year, at most a year and a half". These words make us understand that we will have new news regarding this topic by the start of next season.
But was Honda bought by Red Bull?
Many think that the intellectual property of the Honda engine was purchased by the Milton Keynes team, but it is a huge falsehood! This was confirmed by the president himself HRC with these words: “They can use it, but we didn't sell it to them. It's just a rental agreement.". Simply put, she was put up for rent until the official announcement will arrive of partnership between Red Bull and Porsche.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
Source: FormulaPassion
