Max Verstappen Expresses “Shame” Over Honda’s 2026 Departure to Aston Martin
World Champion Max Verstappen has openly voiced his disappointment regarding Honda’s decision to conclude their highly successful partnership with Red Bull, opting instead to supply power units to Aston Martin starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season. Verstappen, who clinched both his World Championship titles with Honda power, described the situation as a “shame,” acknowledging the complex history that led to this pivotal strategic shift within the sport.
The announcement yesterday confirmed that the renowned Japanese manufacturer will become the exclusive power unit supplier for Aston Martin as Formula 1 enters a new era of engine regulations in 2026. This move marks a significant development for both teams and the wider F1 grid, reshaping alliances and potential championship dynamics for the latter half of the decade. Honda has been instrumental in Red Bull’s recent dominance, designing and building the formidable V6 turbo-hybrid engines that have propelled Verstappen to back-to-back drivers’ championships in 2021 and 2022, alongside the constructors’ title for Red Bull Racing in 2022.
Honda’s Tumultuous F1 Journey and Red Bull’s Engine Initiative
The roots of this separation trace back to Honda’s original declaration in October 2020 that they would withdraw from Formula 1 after the 2021 season. This unexpected announcement forced Red Bull Racing to initiate the ambitious project of establishing its own in-house engine division, Red Bull Powertrains (RBP), to secure its long-term future in the sport. However, following their spectacular success in 2021, which saw Verstappen claim his maiden world title in dramatic fashion, Honda reconsidered their full departure and chose to remain involved, albeit in a more limited technical support role under the Red Bull Powertrains banner.
Verstappen reflected on this intricate sequence of events, stating, “I think from our side it’s a bit unfortunate how all of that turned out. Because a few years ago they said ‘we’re going to stop,’ so then Red Bull sets up its whole engine division and then at one point they say, ‘no, we’ll continue.’” He further elaborated on the impracticality of collaboration once Red Bull had committed fully to its own engine development: “Once you are already in the process of building a whole engine yourself, you can’t really work together anymore. It’s a bit of a shame, I would say. I mean, we always have and had a really good relationship with them, and then seeing them go to Aston Martin is a bit of a shame.”
The Dutch champion’s remarks underscore the unique challenges and long-term strategic planning required in Formula 1, where decisions made years in advance can have profound effects on a team’s trajectory. Red Bull’s proactive investment in Red Bull Powertrains was a necessary measure to guarantee their competitive independence, a decision that ultimately prevented a continued works partnership with Honda when the manufacturer decided to prolong its F1 involvement.
The 2026 Regulations: A New Era for Power Units
The 2026 Formula 1 season will introduce significantly revised power unit regulations, focusing on a greater electrical component and sustainable fuels while retaining the V6 internal combustion engine. These new rules are designed to attract more manufacturers to the sport and promote environmental responsibility. For Red Bull, this means their self-developed power units will carry Ford branding, cementing a new and exciting alliance for the future. “We are also very excited, from our side, from ’26 onwards, what’s going to happen together with Ford,” Verstappen affirmed, expressing optimism for Red Bull’s next chapter.
The decision by Honda to align with Aston Martin for these new regulations highlights the attractiveness of the updated framework. For Aston Martin, securing a works engine supplier of Honda’s caliber represents a monumental step forward in their ambitious quest to challenge for World Championships. Honda’s track record of success, particularly with Red Bull, makes them a highly sought-after partner. Verstappen acknowledged this, stating, “A few years ago, we thought [Honda] were going to leave, now they stay and they go with Aston Martin which, I think for Aston Martin, is really good. They have a great engine – we all know that. So it’s what it is.” This sentiment confirms the widespread respect within the paddock for Honda’s engineering prowess and their ability to produce championship-winning machinery.
A Legacy of Success and a Bittersweet Farewell
Honda’s journey in its most recent Formula 1 stint has been one of perseverance and eventual triumph. After rejoining the sport with McLaren in 2015, they endured challenging years before moving to AlphaTauri in 2018. The partnership with Red Bull Racing began in 2019, and it quickly blossomed into one of the most formidable forces in modern F1 history. Out of Max Verstappen’s impressive 38 grand prix victories to date, an astounding 33 have been achieved with Honda-designed power units, a testament to the synergy between driver, team, and engine supplier.
Verstappen’s personal connection with Honda is evident in his reflections. “I love working with them,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of success already, so of course I will be sad to see them go at one point. But we already expected that, because they said ‘we’re going to pull out,’ so we already had a kind of a goodbye.” This reveals a deep professional bond and an emotional attachment, despite the rational understanding of the business decisions involved. His remarks convey a mix of regret and acceptance, highlighting the human element behind the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Despite the “shame” of their separation, Verstappen expressed happiness that Honda will remain in Formula 1. “Of course I’m happy for the Honda people that they stay in Formula 1. It’s sad to see them go.” This sentiment resonates across the paddock, as Honda’s commitment to F1, their engineering excellence, and their history add significant value to the sport. Their continued presence, albeit with a different team, ensures that their legacy and competitive spirit will endure in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Looking Ahead: The Future Landscape of F1
The impending 2026 regulations promise to shake up the competitive order, and Honda’s partnership with Aston Martin is set to be one of the most closely watched developments. Aston Martin, under the ambitious leadership of Lawrence Stroll, has been investing heavily in its infrastructure, including a new state-of-the-art factory, signaling its serious intent to become a front-running team. A works partnership with an engine manufacturer of Honda’s caliber provides a crucial piece of that championship puzzle, offering bespoke integration and development advantages that are often key to sustained success.
Simultaneously, Red Bull Racing’s alliance with Ford and the continued development of Red Bull Powertrains represent a bold declaration of independence and self-sufficiency. The challenge of building a competitive F1 engine from scratch is monumental, but Red Bull’s track record for engineering excellence and strategic vision suggests they are well-equipped for this endeavor. The 2026 season will therefore usher in an exciting period of new partnerships and intensified rivalries, with Max Verstappen leading the charge for a Red Bull-Ford future, while Honda sets its sights on new triumphs with Aston Martin. The “shame” of separation for Verstappen is tempered by the anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive new era for Formula 1.