Max Verstappen hinted that he could still be working with Honda after their successful partnership with Red Bull comes to a close at the end of this year’s Formula One season.
It was known that Honda engines had helped power the 27-year-old Dutch driver’s vehicle to win four consecutive titles with Red Bull. However, Honda will now supply its engines to the Aston Martin team at the start of 2026.
Despite the changes, Verstappen’s remarks have caused speculation about further collaborations between him and the company. His relationship with the Japanese engine maker has also been part of his success.
Verstappen recalled driving the RB16B, the iconic car that won his first world title, on the streets of Tokyo: “It’s been a ride that I enjoyed a lot… Of course, before we started working with Honda, we had our success. But I could have never imagined the heights that we got to, winning four championships together. I want to try and just enjoy the weekend, try to go as fast as [I] can, but it’s more about also just remembering all that we have achieved together in the sport and who knows, of course, in the future as well?”
He added, “You know what can be done. So it’s like a goodbye for now, but that’s it. I’m still quite young and you never know what happens in the future.”
The driver’s comments also fuel more speculation that he may not stay at Red Bull till the end of his current contract, which will run until the 2028 season.
Verstappen’s contract is reported to have performance-related exit clauses, which allow him to leave the team if the car provided fails to remain competitive. Given Verstappen’s achievements in the past years, his future with Red Bull is on the rocks if his performance starts to decline due to vehicle issues, which could lead him to seek another team.
In view of this, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that Aston Martin could present an offer to Verstappen should the performance-related exit clauses in his Red Bull contract be triggered.
Montoya said: “I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin. If I were Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool too, but Aston would be the logical choice, having Adrian and Honda. Everything he has won with is there.”
In a social media post, Verstappen shared his experience in Tokyo and said: “🎌 Good times in Tokyo, a great start to what’s going to be a special week 🙌”
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Netizens showed their support by commenting, “Tokyo Drift, Max! 🔥🔥”, “Good luck champ🦁💪🐣🧸😍”, and “Enjoy your stay, champ ❤️”
One overseas fan even remarked, “Just landed in Nagoya from Manila, Philippines. 🇵🇭 Hopefully, you can wave at me during the fan zone. Can’t wait to see you Maxie!!! 🧡🙏”