Honda has had a long and complex relationship with Formula One, which multiple entries, withdrawals, and comebacks have marked.
First Era (1964–1968): Early Success and First Withdrawal
Honda entered Formula One in 1964 as both a chassis constructor and engine manufacturer. In 1965 they secured their first victory at the Mexican Grand Prix with Richie Ginther. However, despite occasional strong performances, Honda struggled with chassis development.
The death of driver Jo Schlesser in the 1968 French Grand Prix, combined with business priorities shifting to road car production in the U.S., led Honda to withdraw from the sport at the end of the 1968 season.
Second Era (1983–1992): Dominance and Departure
Honda initially returned in 1983 as an engine supplier for Spirit Racing before quickly forming partnerships with Williams and later McLaren. This era marked Honda’s peak dominance in F1. With McLaren, Honda powered Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to multiple championships, securing six consecutive Constructors’ Championships (1986–1991) and five consecutive Drivers’ Championships (1987–1991).
However, the burst of the Japanese economic bubble and Honda’s sense of achieving its targets led to its withdrawal at the end of the 1992 season.
Third Era (2000–2008): Mixed Results and Financial Crisis Exit
Honda returned in 2000 as an engine supplier for BAR (British American Racing), taking full ownership in 2006. The team showed promise, securing second place in the 2004 Constructors’ Championship.
However, performance dipped, and despite winning the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix with Jenson Button, Honda struggled in subsequent seasons. The 2008 global financial crisis forced them to exit F1 abruptly at the year’s end.
Ironically, the remnants of the Honda team rebranded as Brawn GP in 2009, and they won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships using the Honda-developed car with Mercedes engines.
Fourth Era (2015–2021): Redemption and Sudden Exit After a Championship
Honda re-entered F1 in 2015 as a power unit supplier for McLaren. However, their engines were unreliable and underpowered, leading to a bitter breakup with McLaren after 2017.
- 2018: Honda found a new partner in Toro Rosso, showing promise.
- 2019: Red Bull Racing adopted Honda engines, leading to their first hybrid-era win at the Austrian Grand Prix.
- 2021: Max Verstappen, powered by Honda, won the World Championship, breaking Mercedes’ dominance.
Despite their success, Honda again announced their withdrawal from F1 at the end of 2021, citing a need to focus on carbon neutrality technologies.
However, an agreement was made for them to continue supplying Red Bull and AlphaTauri (Visa Cashapp RB) under the “Honda RBPT” (Red Bull Powertrains) branding until the end of 2025.
Fifth Era (2026 onwards): Another Comeback with Aston Martin
Despite officially withdrawing, Honda remained active behind the scenes, developing power units for Red Bull. However, when Red Bull announced a partnership with Ford for 2026, Honda began looking for a new partner.
In May 2023, Honda confirmed their full return to F1 as an engine supplier for Aston Martin starting in 2026. The decision was influenced by the upcoming regulation changes emphasising increased electrical power (50% hybrid) and sustainable fuels, aligning with Honda’s long-term environmental goals.
Honda’s 2026 partnership with Aston Martin signals yet another new chapter. Whether this return will be a long-term commitment or another short-lived venture remains to be seen.