10/07/2025 15:40
Honda Racing president Koji Watanabe has expressed his gratitude to
Christian Horner following his shock departure from Red Bull.
Horner was relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning, ending his
20-year reign as team principal since Red Bull first hit the F1
grid in 2005. In 2018, Horner was naturally instrumental in
brokering a deal that resulted in Honda remaining in F1 after
McLaren had announced it would be terminating its supply contract
with the Japanese manufacturer following three difficult seasons.
Red Bull had endured its own troubled relationship with Renault
before switching to Honda power in 2019. The previous season, Toro
Rosso used Honda power units. The Red Bull/Honda relationship has
resulted in four drivers' titles for Max Verstappen and two
constructors' championships over the past seven years. Although
Honda and Red Bull part ways at the end of the season, with the
former linking up with Aston Martin, Watanabe initially paid Horner
due respect before turning his attention to what lies ahead for the
rest of the year under Laurent Mekies as the new team boss. "We are
grateful for Christian's collaboration from the start of our
partnership through to today," said Watanabe. He added: "We have
had a great relationship with our new team principal, Laurent,
since he arrived at Racing Bulls. "There is no change in Honda's
intention to do its utmost together with Red Bull Racing and the
Racing Bulls over the next 12 races."
