Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has reiterated a desire to reunite with Max Verstappen past the company’s partnership in Formula 1 with Red Bull.
Verstappen has logged an unrivalled 59 victories since Honda’s collaboration with Red Bull began in 2019, placing him on track to take the previous four Drivers’ titles.
However, the Japanese marque’s relationship with Red Bull will conclude when the current season ends as it commences a new venture with Aston Martin from 2026.
Red Bull, meanwhile, will assemble a powertrain in line with the overhauled regulations arriving next season in-house with input from American automotive giant Ford.
There has been renewed speculation that Verstappen might not even remain with the team until then, though, amid Red Bull’s inconsistent beginning to the campaign.
Verstappen, whose existing deal includes an exit clause, has been linked with a move to Aston Martin, which is reported to be preparing a staggering £226 million bid.
The Silverstone-based squad has since disregarded that rumour, but Watanabe has expressed Honda’s aspiration to co-operate with Verstappen again at some stage.
“First of all, we will do everything we can to help him win his fifth world title this year,” Watanabe told De Telegraaf.
“And then our focus will be on our partnership with Aston Martin.
“But I have to say honestly that I hope that there will be another opportunity for Honda to work with Max Verstappen. I sincerely hope so.”
Honda lauds Verstappen approach
Alongside his undeniable expertise behind the wheel, Watanabe also hailed the constructive manner in which Verstappen has communicated with Honda’s workforce.
“I have spoken to him many times and he has always been positive about our attitude and mentality,” he added.
“Max is also very good at communicating with the Honda engineers.
“He talks clearly to them and that has ensured that the engineers have become fans of him and that they are very dedicated.
“People often see the sportsman, but I also have deep respect for Max as a person.”
Verstappen praises Honda
Verstappen reciprocated that sentiment as he reviewed the partnership, having landed an emotional win in Red Bull’s last race with Honda in Japan earlier this month.
“Honestly, the relationship that we’ve had with Honda has been amazing,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week post-race at Suzuka.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with them – how they also work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are. They’ve given me so much.
“Together we’ve won four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ [titles].
“It’s been unbelievable and also, of course, something you’ll never forget.”
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