Source – Oversteer48
Ahead of the last season of Red Bull’s technical relationship with Honda in Formula One 2025, team principal Christian Horner has released a statement.
As the curtain begins to fall on one of Formula 1’s most successful partnerships, Christian Horner, the dynamic team principal of Red Bull Racing, has delivered a poignant statement reflecting on the profound impact of the alliance with Honda. Since joining forces in 2019, Red Bull and Honda have redefined the limits of dominance in F1, with Max Verstappen claiming four consecutive World Championships from 2021 to 2024, cementing their legacy in the sport’s storied history.
In a statement released through Honda Racing Global’s official channel, Horner paid tribute to the remarkable achievements shared with Honda. He highlighted the 2023 season as the pinnacle of their collaboration, where Red Bull’s RB19, driven by Verstappen and Sergio Perez, stormed to an unprecedented 21 victories out of 22 races, a feat unrivaled in the annals of Formula 1. The statement underscored the precision and synergy that marked the Red Bull-Honda era, culminating in records that may stand the test of time.
“2025 marks the final year of the Honda-Red Bull partnership in Formula 1,” Horner declared. “However, over the years, we’ve achieved many historic records – such as the 21 wins out of 22 races in 2023 – proving that our collaboration was absolutely the right call. For the final season, both Red Bull and HRC will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to win. Until then, we continue working hard together to win every race and secure more championships.”
Honda’s decision to withdraw from F1 at the end of 2021 appeared to signal the end of an era. Yet, their continued technical support to Red Bull over the subsequent three years maintained the competitive edge that kept them at the sport’s forefront. However, the 2026 season heralds a new dawn for Honda as they prepare to enter a works partnership with Aston Martin, aligning their ambitions with the sweeping regulation changes that will redefine the landscape of Formula 1.
This move sets the stage for Honda’s reunion with Adrian Newey, the most successful designer in F1 history, who parted ways with Red Bull in May of the previous year. Newey’s decision to join Aston Martin as managing technical partner and shareholder signals a strategic shift, positioning the team to capitalize on the upcoming regulatory overhaul. His involvement is anticipated to be a game-changer for Aston Martin, leveraging his expertise to navigate the complexities of the new engine and chassis regulations.
Aston Martin’s recent restructuring further underscores their commitment to becoming a formidable force in F1. Andy Cowell, the former Mercedes engine maestro, has been appointed as the new team principal, seamlessly integrating this role with his responsibilities as Group CEO. This strategic move sees Mike Krack transition to the role of chief trackside officer, reflecting a recalibration of their leadership structure following a challenging 2024 season that saw them finish a distant fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
As Red Bull and Honda prepare to bid farewell to a partnership that has yielded unparalleled success, both entities are poised to embark on new chapters, their paths diverging but forever intertwined by the legacy they have built together. For now, the focus remains firmly on the present, as Horner and his team gear up to make their final season with Honda one to remember, leaving an indelible mark on the sport before the next revolution begins.
