The Journey Back to F1
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe has recently disclosed that the Japanese automaker engaged in discussions with several Formula 1 teams before securing an engine partnership with Aston Martin. This strategic move marks another chapter in Honda’s storied history in the world of Formula 1.
A Turbulent Return
After a seven-year hiatus from Formula 1, Honda made its comeback in 2015 by partnering with McLaren. Unfortunately, this collaboration did not yield the desired results, as the hybrid power unit provided was both unreliable and underperforming. This tumultuous period highlighted the challenges that Honda faced while re-entering the highly competitive realm of motor racing.
Turning the Tide with Toro Rosso
However, the narrative shifted in 2018 when Honda switched its focus to Toro Rosso, which later became Alpha Tauri. This pivotal moment led to a successful partnership with the Red Bull Racing teams starting in 2019. Under this configuration, Max Verstappen achieved remarkable success, clinching four world titles from 2021 to 2022. Despite Honda’s significant impact, it is notable that only the first of these titles was officially attributed to Honda power, as the company exited Formula 1 at the end of 2021.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the collaboration with Aston Martin unfolds and what new opportunities await Honda in the realm of Formula 1.
