Max Verstappen’s relationship with Honda will end this season as the Japanese carmaker stops working with Red Bull, having agreed to supply engines to Aston Martin from 2026
Max Verstappen has fuelled speculation over a future Aston Martin switch after he refused to rule out working with engine suppliers Honda again in the future. The Japanese manufacturer has worked with Red Bull for many years but that partnership will end at the climax of the current Formula 1 season.
Red Bull have partnered with Ford to make their own powertrains for the first time in their history. That decision was made after Honda initially signalled its intention to exit F1, only to later decide to remain involved in the sport and sign a supply deal with Aston Martin.
That partnership begins next year when new engine regulations come into force. And ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull held a show run on the streets of Tokyo to give thanks to Honda for all their efforts during one of the team’s most successful eras.
Verstappen took part and also spoke at a fan event, during which he hinted that it may not be the last time in his career that he will work with the carmaker. He said: “It’s been a ride that I enjoyed a lot.
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“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 you can.
“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? 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.”
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Verstappen’s words have alerted fans given the significant speculation linking the Dutchman with a future move to Aston Martin. The team’s billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll is a known admirer of the four-time champion and would surely leap at the opportunity to sign him.
The 27-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but it is understood there are performance clauses which could allow him to leave before then if the team cannot provide him with a competitive car. Red Bull have not started the 2025 season well and have a car which does not currently seem to be capable of challenging for race victories.
Aston Martin are also not currently vying for race wins but have ambitions to do so in the coming years. Stroll has invested heavily in the Silverstone-based outfit including a state-of-the-art new factory and a monster offer to tempt legendary car designer Adrian Newey to join after announcing he was leaving Red Bull.
Newey designed every one of Verstappen’s title-winning cars and his presence, along with that of Honda, could tempt Verstappen to jump aboard the Aston Martin project should he desire a change of scenery. Mercedes have also been heavily linked with the Dutchman, although team boss Toto Wolff claimed last month that Verstappen is no longer on his radar.
