Honda already announced in 2020 that it would leave the premier class of motorsport after the 2021 season. It was precisely in that last year that the engine proved so good that Max Verstappen won ten races in his Red Bull and became the first Dutchman to win the world title in Formula 1.
“Personally, I think we stopped too early. But this was clearly a company decision and I had to accept that,” Yamamoto said on Motorsport. “I understand which way the company wants to go, but it is always possible that Honda will return to Formula 1 one day.”
Ties not completely broken
Honda has been active as an engine supplier for the past seven years. First for McLaren, then for Toro Rosso (now Alpha Tauri). The Japanese managed to develop the engine over the years and in 2021 Honda saw the result of the stiff work. “Max’s world title gave great satisfaction and also relief. We worked with a different attitude in our last year and gave everything to win the championship. After all, that was the goal of our return to Formula 1,” said Yamamoto.
Honda has not completely severed ties with Red Bull yet. The Austrian racing stable will now develop the engine itself in its own factory in England, but will receive support from Honda.