Honda has not closed the door on returning to F1 when the next-generation engines are introduced in 2026. Several key Honda executives including its CEO and chairman also attended the Austrian GP. Full story:
The Japanese manufacturer quit grand prix racing at the end of last year, with its parent company wanting to divert its resources towards zero-emmission technology in road cars.
And while the company insists that there has been no formal change of heart about an F1 programme, it has admitted to following closely how the 2026 engine rules are progressing. “[But] it is not a closed door. My understanding is that F1 is discussing to decide the regulations for 2026, and definitely the direction is carbon neutrality. That is the same direction as us.
“But once we decided to conclude the F1 because of mass production [road cars] and carbon neutrality, first we need to concentrate on this side.Regarding the time frame for a decision about a potential 2026 return, Watanabe suggested that a call needed to be made by the end of 2023. Discussions are underway about a closer technical partnership, allied to a change in branding focus on the Red Bull teams with the ‘Honda’ name to return.
The element of IP control of the Honda power units became especially relevant during discussions over 2026 rules, with it being agreed that new entrants would be handed concessions to help them catch up with more established manufacturers.
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