What Happened to Honda in Formula 1?
Honda has a long and cyclical history in Formula 1, participating in various capacities as a full works team and engine supplier since 1964. After officially withdrawing at the end of 2021, having powered Max Verstappen to the Drivers' Championship, Honda continued to provide technical support to Red Bull Powertrains until 2025. The Japanese manufacturer made a full-scale return to F1 in 2026 as a works power unit supplier for Aston Martin, though the initial season has seen performance challenges and subsequent upgrades.
Quick Answer
Honda has had multiple stints in Formula 1, marked by periods of significant success and subsequent withdrawals. After officially exiting as an engine supplier at the end of the 2021 season, following Max Verstappen's Drivers' Championship win with Red Bull, Honda continued to provide technical support to Red Bull Powertrains until the end of 2025. For the new 2026 regulations, Honda has made a full-scale return to F1 as a works power unit partner for the Aston Martin Aramco Honda team, introducing an upgraded power unit in August 2026 to address early season performance deficits.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Honda's First Entry into Formula 1
Honda made its Formula 1 debut as a full factory team at the German Grand Prix, building both its own chassis and engine.
First F1 Victory at Mexican Grand Prix
Richie Ginther secured Honda's first-ever Formula 1 victory at the Mexican Grand Prix in only their second year of competition.
First Withdrawal from F1
Honda withdrew from Formula 1 at the end of the 1968 season, citing difficulties in selling road cars in the United States and the fatal accident of driver Jo Schlesser.
Return as Engine Manufacturer
Honda returned to F1 as an engine supplier, initially partnering with Spirit Racing and later with Williams, beginning a highly successful period.
Dominant Era with Williams and McLaren
Honda-powered cars won six consecutive Constructors' Championships (1986-1991) and five Drivers' Championships (1987-1991) with teams like Williams and McLaren.
Second Withdrawal from F1
Honda withdrew from Formula 1 at the end of 1992 due to economic pressures and a shift in corporate focus.
Return with British American Racing (BAR)
Honda returned to F1 as an engine supplier for the British American Racing (BAR) team.
Third Withdrawal due to Global Economic Crisis
Honda withdrew its factory team from Formula 1 at the end of the 2008 season, citing the global economic crisis. The team was later sold and became Brawn GP.
Return as Engine Supplier with McLaren
Honda rejoined Formula 1 as a power unit supplier, partnering with McLaren, marking the beginning of its fourth era in the sport.
Announcement of Withdrawal after 2021 Season
Honda announced its decision to withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, to focus resources on carbon-neutral technologies.
Max Verstappen Wins Drivers' Championship with Honda
In a dramatic final race, Max Verstappen secured the Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship with Red Bull Racing-Honda, marking Honda's first title since 1991 and its official 'exit' on a high note.
Continued Technical Support for Red Bull Powertrains
Despite officially withdrawing, Honda continued to provide technical support and manufacture power units for Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT), with engines rebadged as Honda RBPT from 2023. This partnership led to further championships for Red Bull.
Announcement of Full-Scale Return in 2026 with Aston Martin
Honda confirmed its full-scale return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a works power unit supplier for Aston Martin, enticed by the new regulations focusing on sustainable fuels and electrification.
Official Start of Aston Martin Honda Partnership
Aston Martin and Honda officially marked the start of their works partnership for the 2026 season with a launch event in Tokyo, as Aston Martin transitioned from Mercedes engines.
Honda Introduces Upgraded Power Unit at Dutch Grand Prix
Honda introduced a 'Spec 2' power unit upgrade for Aston Martin at the Dutch Grand Prix, aiming to address initial performance deficits and improve combustion efficiency and reliability in their first season as a works partner.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Honda's journey in Formula 1 is characterized by a passionate, yet intermittent, commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport, spanning several distinct eras. The Japanese manufacturer first entered F1 in 1964 as a full factory team, achieving its maiden victory in 1965 before withdrawing in 1968 to focus on road car sales. A highly successful second era as an engine supplier from 1983 to 1992 saw Honda dominate, winning six Constructors' Championships and five Drivers' Championships with teams like Williams and McLaren, powered by iconic drivers such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Economic pressures led to their exit at the end of 1992.
Honda returned in 2000 as an engine supplier for BAR, eventually taking over the team to compete as a full works entry from 2006 to 2008. However, the global financial crisis prompted another withdrawal at the end of the 2008 season, with the team subsequently transforming into the championship-winning Brawn GP. Their fourth era began in 2015, partnering with McLaren, which proved challenging. After three difficult seasons, Honda switched its supply to Toro Rosso in 2018, and then to Red Bull Racing in 2019, leading to a resurgence in performance.
In October 2020, Honda announced its official withdrawal from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, citing a need to reallocate resources towards carbon-neutral technologies like fuel cell and battery electric vehicles. Despite this, the 2021 season culminated in a dramatic Drivers' Championship victory for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing-Honda, marking Honda's first title since 1991. Following their official exit, Honda continued a technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) from 2022 to 2025, supplying and maintaining the power units, which were rebadged as Honda RBPT from 2023. This arrangement saw further championship success for Red Bull and Max Verstappen in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The allure of new engine regulations for 2026, emphasizing sustainable fuels and increased electrical power, aligned with Honda's carbon-neutral goals and prompted a strategic U-turn. In May 2023, Honda confirmed a full-scale return to F1 in 2026, entering a works partnership with Aston Martin to supply their hybrid power units. This new Aston Martin Aramco Honda team began the 2026 season with initial challenges, including power unit vibration issues and a performance deficit compared to competitors like Red Bull Ford. As of August 2026, Honda has introduced a significant 'Spec 2' power unit upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix, focusing on improving combustion efficiency, piston shape, and lubrication systems to enhance performance and reliability, aiming to close the gap to the front of the field.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Honda in Formula 1 made different choices?