4 key elements propelled Red Bull to its current dominance – Adrian Newey, Honda, Max Verstappen, and Christian Horner’s leadership (current controversy aside). Horner led Honda to create the perfect engine that combined with Newey’s technical genius, giving Verstappen an unrivaled car. But the puzzle pieces are now breaking as the Japanese engine manufacturer is set to join Aston Martin in 2026.

Billionaire Lawrence Stroll has pumped $220 Million into building a new headquarters for Aston Martin. The project that began in 2021 is already benefitting the Silverstone-based team. It is Stroll’s investment and vision that has also lured Honda away from World Champions Red Bull.

Addressing this departure, Honda’s President initially said how they would “miss” working with Max Verstappen and hoped that they would get to work again in the future. But the rivalry that will ensue in 2026 cannot sustain this relationship, on track at least. And crushing Verstappen with Aston Martin is exactly what Honda hopes to achieve then.

“To become world champion from 2026 onwards,” Watanabe told Motorsport, about their ambitions with AMR. “We know that it will be very difficult and it is not so easy, but we need some good targets to put in our best effort together with Aston Martin. So, that’s why together with Stroll and Toshihiro Mibe [Honda CEO and president], we set the target to just aim for the world championship in that year.”

Max Verstappen urges Red Bull to deepen Ford partnership immediately

Ford was present in F1 till 2004, before they sold their Jaguar team to Red Bull. 19 years later, in 2023, they announced their F1 return with Red Bull – a full circle. But Honda, who has massive experience with modern F1 will highly impact RB with their departure.

Hence, right before the 2024 season started, Max Verstappen urged Christian Horner & Co to begin and implement the 2026 plans into action right away. “It is very important that we start now,” the 3-time World Champion told Viaplay. “2026 sounds far away, but a year goes by in no time and we want to be well-prepared at the start.”

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2026 is going to be a revolutionary year in F1. Audi and Ford will enter, Honda will jump ship, and Aston Martin could take Red Bull’s top place. Be ready for a thrilling season.