As the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off, all eyes are on Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and its evolving role in the sport. After a period of strategic withdrawal, Honda is set to make a major return to Formula 1 in 2026, but not before fulfilling its current commitments with Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls through the 2025 season. This transition marks a pivotal moment for both Honda and the sport, as the Japanese automaker prepares for a fresh start alongside Aston Martin.
Honda’s F1 Journey: Past and Future
Honda’s recent involvement in Formula 1 has been marked by a mixture of withdrawal and continued technical support. After officially stepping away from the sport in 2021, Honda still provided engines for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) under the Red Bull Powertrains banner until the end of 2025. This arrangement ensured Honda remained a key player in the sport, despite not being directly involved in team management.
Looking ahead, Honda's full return to the Formula 1 grid is slated for the 2026 season, where it will take on a works partnership with Aston Martin. This partnership will see Honda providing power units for Aston Martin under the new F1 technical regulations that are set to debut in 2026. These new regulations promise to significantly increase the role of electrification in Formula 1 while introducing 100% sustainable fuels, a move that aligns closely with Honda’s sustainability goals.
A Focus on Sustainability and Electrification
Honda’s return to Formula 1 is not just about competing for race wins—it’s also part of a broader strategy focused on carbon neutrality and advancing future automotive technologies. The 2026 engine regulations, which place a heavier emphasis on electrification and sustainability, are seen as a perfect match for Honda’s ongoing commitment to developing environmentally-friendly technologies. Honda has stated that it aims to be at the forefront of these changes, with a strong focus on achieving the technical and environmental targets set by the new rules.
The End of Red Bull Partnership
One of the most significant changes for Honda will be the end of its partnership with Red Bull Racing after the 2025 season. Red Bull has already announced a new engine collaboration with Ford for 2026, meaning Honda’s involvement with Red Bull will conclude after the upcoming season. However, this parting of ways has not affected Honda’s relationship with its drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda, a driver supported by Honda. Tsunoda has expressed hopes of continuing with Red Bull Racing in the future, despite Honda’s transition to Aston Martin.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway, Honda’s plans for 2026 and beyond are already generating excitement. With a renewed focus on sustainability, electrification, and competitiveness, Honda’s return as a works supplier to Aston Martin is one of the most anticipated developments in the sport. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a defining chapter in Honda’s F1 legacy, setting the stage for its next era of racing success.