Honda bids farewell to Red Bull as successful partnership concludes

Honda has formally bid farewell to Red Bull Racing, concluding an eight-year partnership that delivered four drivers' championships and two constructors' titles. The split, which follows the 2025 season, sees both parties moving in new directions for the 2026 technical regulation overhaul, with Honda switching to Aston Martin and Red Bull launching its own power unit project with Ford.

Why it matters:

The conclusion of the Red Bull-Honda era marks the end of one of the most successful modern engine partnerships in Formula 1. It reshapes the competitive landscape for 2026, as Honda takes its championship-winning expertise to a new team while Red Bull embarks on the ambitious task of becoming a full-fledged power unit manufacturer. The success or failure of these moves will significantly impact the championship battle in the coming years.

The details:

• A Legacy of Success: The partnership, which began in 2018 with Toro Rosso, powered Max Verstappen to his first victory in 2019 and his maiden world championship in 2021. This kicked off a run of four consecutive drivers' titles (2021-2024) and constructors' championships in 2022 and 2023.
• Official Farewell: Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe stated the company is "proud to have remained at the sharp end of F1 for eight years" through its collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains. He expressed gratitude that Honda's technology and personnel contributed to the team's many victories.
• Diverging Paths: For 2026, Honda will supply engines to Aston Martin, reuniting with former Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey. Red Bull, meanwhile, will compete with its first fully in-house developed power unit, created in partnership with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner.

What's next:

The focus for both entities now shifts entirely to the 2026 season. Honda will aim to transfer its winning formula and operational experience to help Aston Martin become a consistent front-runner. Red Bull faces the monumental challenge of developing a competitive engine from scratch while adapting to all-new chassis regulations, a test that will define its long-term future as an independent constructor. The friendly rivalry between the two former partners adds a compelling new narrative to the next era of F1.