Is Honda’s Return to Formula One in 2026 Beneficial for the Sport?

Did you know that Honda is considering returning to Formula One (F1) for the fourth time in its storied history? After a series of on-again, off-again relationships with the sport, Honda is currently exploring its options to return to the grid in 2026. The success or failure of this potential move is not just about Honda's return but could have far-reaching implications for the growth and development of F1 as a global sport.

A Brief History of Honda in F1

Honda's first foray into F1 began in the 1960s, where they experienced limited success. Following a tragic event involving the death of Jo Schlesser in the Honda RA302, founder Soichiro Honda decided to pull away from the sport. After a decade-long hiatus during the 1980s, Honda returned as an engine supplier, powering several drivers to victory, including Richard Suet's father in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991. However, the global economic bubble burst of the early 1990s prompted Honda to withdraw again.

Despite the setbacks, Honda again showed the itchy desire to be a part of F1. In 1999, they tested their own car. The serendipity of their re-entry might have been best demonstrated by the fact that nearly 25 years later, Honda would see one of its drivers, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, win the world championship. Honda, however, decided against running their own team and instead continued as an engine supplier, hoping to capitalize on their technological expertise.

Their last attempt at running their own team in 2021 was not successful, leading to their withdrawal. But as fate would have it, Red Bull had other ideas and convinced Honda to return, although only with an acquisition/partnership model. This decision by Red Bull demonstrates the complex landscape of F1, where strategic partnerships and collaborations can define a team's success and the sport's future.

Is Honda’s Return Good or Bad for the Sport?

Is Honda's return to F1 in 2026 good or bad for the sport? The answer is neither, but rather, it is an affirmation of the sport's resilience and the opportunity for growth. F1, as a global business, has shown an ability to adapt and evolve. Honda's potential return undercuts the "I'm in, I'm out" attitude that has often characterized their relationship with the sport, providing a clear long-term commitment that may benefit everyone involved.

Christian Horner, the principal of Red Bull Racing, has explicitly spoken about the importance of a long-term commitment. His comment on a 50% acquisition being the scenario for Honda's return enlightens us about the need for a significant investment from both parties. This is different from the short-term engine supplier model where Honda would be working under the control of another team. The difference is not just in the agreement but in the execution.

Horner's perspective is that Honda's repeated in-and-out relationships indicate a lack of long-term commitment. While Honda's departure in 2008 can be attributed to a global financial crisis, their departure from McLaren-Honda in 2015 and their subsequent decision to provide engines to Red Bull tells a different story. Honda's strategic decision to partner with Red Bull over McLaren showcased their understanding of the business side of the sport. The partnership with Red Bull allowed Honda to focus on their core competencies—engine technology—while Red Bull concentrated on the car's design and engineering, leading to several championship wins for Red Bull.

However, Honda's departure from Red Bull in 2021 and their move to the IndyCar series could be seen as a strategic detour. Red Bull did not abandon Honda, instead continuing their partnership and leveraging Honda's expertise. This partnership was mutually beneficial, as Red Bull won several championships while Honda continued to innovate and expand its technology. While Honda's decision to sell their engines to RBR Powertrains showcased business acumen, it also positioned them to return to the F1 grid as an established and respected partner.

A Strategic Partnership for Growth

Red Bull's decision to pursue an acquisition/partnership with Honda is a strategic move that could reinvigorate the relationship between the two without the risk of repeating past mistakes. Non-controlling ownership allows Red Bull to maintain its race-winning DNA while giving Honda the freedom to utilize their resources effectively. This partnership is less likely to be negatively impacted by internal politics, ensuring that the focus remains on performance and development rather than managerial oversight.

With Bernie Ecclestone's potential retirement and the ongoing debate about the future of F1, any return to F1 by Honda can be viewed as a positive development. It showcases the sport's willingness to adapt to change and demonstrate a long-term strategy that can drive growth and innovation. F1 is a sport of perpetual evolution, and Honda's potential return is one such evolution that could enhance the competitiveness and competitiveness of the sport as a whole.

Conclusion

The return of Honda to F1 in 2026 is a testament to the sport's resilience and its ability to adapt to changing dynamics. Honda's potential partnership with Red Bull offers a clear path to success, characterized by long-term commitment, strategic partnership, and mutual benefit. It is a move that could enhance the competitiveness of the sport and bring a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation to fans and stakeholders alike.