This partnership, spanning 2018-2025, delivered an impressive 72 wins and four Drivers' Championships for Max Verstappen.
Honda officially concluded its technical support for Red Bull Powertrains following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, 2025, bringing an end to one of Formula One's most successful collaborations in recent history. The partnership, which began in 2018 when Honda started supplying power units to Scuderia Toro Rosso, produced 72 wins, 141 podiums, and four consecutive Drivers' Championships for Max Verstappen across 172 races.
The Japanese manufacturer's departure marks a major shift for both parties as Formula One prepares for sweeping technical regulations in 2026. Red Bull Racing will transition to its own in-house Red Bull Ford Powertrains operation, developed in partnership with Ford, while Honda shifts its works program to Aston Martin under an exclusive agreement.
Also Read
A Legacy of Dominance
The Honda-Red Bull collaboration achieved its greatest success between 2021 and 2023, delivering Verstappen's first world title in 2021, Honda's first championship in 30 years, followed by back-to-back double titles in 2022 and 2023. The partnership's pinnacle came in 2023 when Red Bull claimed a historic 21 victories from 22 races.
"We are proud to have remained at the sharp end of F1 for eight years through our strong collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains and both teams," said Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, in a statement. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner described the relationship as "one of continued success" that brought the team "one of the most triumphant and dominant periods in our history".
The 2025 season proved more challenging, with Red Bull finishing third in the Constructors' Championship behind McLaren and Mercedes, while Verstappen secured second place in the Drivers' standings with 421 points, narrowly missing a fifth consecutive title to McLaren's Lando Norris.
New Era Beckons
Red Bull's decision to develop its own power units stems from Honda's 2020 announcement to exit Formula One, which prompted the creation of Red Bull Powertrains. The 2026 technical regulations, requiring a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power with fully sustainable fuels, necessitate substantial investment in hybrid technology. Ford will provide expertise in battery cell and electric motor technology as Red Bull becomes the first team in modern F1 history to transition from chassis manufacturer to full works constructor.
Honda, meanwhile, confirmed its commitment to the new regulatory framework by entering an exclusive works partnership with Aston Martin beginning in 2026. The collaboration aims to leverage the 2026 regulations' emphasis on electrification, which aligns with Honda's corporate carbon-neutrality goals.
Published: 08 Dec 2025, 04:05 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.