Verstappen bids farewell to Honda ‘for now’

TOKYO, April 2 — Max Verstappen has hinted at a possible reunion with Honda in the future, as their highly successful partnership with Red Bull comes to an end after this Formula One season.

The Japanese engine manufacturer has powered the 27-year-old Dutchman to four consecutive world championships. However, starting in 2026, Honda will supply engines to Aston Martin instead.

Speaking at a Formula One fan event hosted by Honda in Tokyo ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen reflected on the journey and expressed his appreciation.

It’s been an incredible ride,” Verstappen told the crowd after driving the RB16B—the car that took him to his first world title—through the streets of Tokyo.“Before our collaboration with Honda, we had success, but I never imagined we’d reach the level we have—four championships together.

This weekend is about enjoying the moment and remembering what we’ve accomplished. And who knows what the future holds? It’s goodbye for now, but I’m still young, and anything can happen.”

His comments have intensified speculation that he may not stay at Red Bull through the end of his contract, which runs until 2028. Media reports suggest Verstappen has performance-based clauses that could allow him to leave if the team’s competitiveness drops.

Adding fuel to the rumours, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya told Vision4Sport that Aston Martin—who recently secured Red Bull's renowned car designer Adrian Newey—could make Verstappen an irresistible offer.

“I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin,” Montoya said. “If I were Max, I’d go to Aston. Mercedes would be interesting too, but Aston makes the most sense with both Adrian and Honda there—everything he’s already won with.”

To mark the final year of their collaboration, Red Bull’s cars will sport a special red and white livery at Suzuka this weekend as a tribute to their partnership with Honda. — Reuters