A year later, Red Bull and Honda have finally decided to continue their long-term collaboration.
For many months, the Milton Keynes team had negotiated with Porsche for 2026, an agreement that will never see the light of day.
On the sidelines of the Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull and Honda have announced a new agreement.
"Our common goal is to continue to produce dominating engines and achieve as much success as possible over the next three years," said Christian Horner, boss of the Red Bull team for which reigning world champion Max races. Verstappen.
In addition to the return of the Honda logo to the cars, the second Red Bull driver, Mexican Sergio Pérez, will become an ambassador for the Honda Racing School (HRS) driving school.
Honda officially left F1 late last season but signed a deal running until the end of the 2025 season to continue providing technical assistance in engine development to Red Bull and Alpha Tauri.
If the powertrains are now manufactured and developed mainly by Red Bull, it is Honda's power units which notably enabled the Dutchman Verstappen to win his first world title in 2021. According to the specialized press, Honda is now considering extending his agreement with the team beyond 2025.
From 2026, new F1 engine regulations will come into force.
On this date, the engines, already hybrid since 2014, will see an increase in electrical energy and will use 100% sustainable fuels.
Until then, the paddock arrives this weekend on the Suzuka track, for the Japanese Grand Prix, 18th round of the season (out of 22) which could see Max Verstappen crowned again, solid leader in the championship.