Today at 14:33
Honda Racing president Koji Watanabe has rejected a rumour that Red
Bull would have continued using the Japanese manufacturer's
powertrains in 2026, if it could not produce its engine on time.
For the first time in its F1 history, Red Bull will produce its own
powertrains for the new power unit regulations, starting from next
year. As a result, the Milton Keynes-based outfit has built its
own power unit department, whilst Honda will switch to work with
Aston Martin from next year. This season marks the last of Red
Bull's and Honda's partnership; however, as-web.jp stated to
Watanabe that it was rumoured the relationship would continue next
year if the Austrian outfit could not produce its power unit in
time. "That's not possible at all, Watanabe insisted to as-web.jp .
"Even if they asked us now, we wouldn't be able to meet the 2026
deadline. There is no way." Whilst Watanabe ruled out an early Red
Bull reunion for next year, Honda will work once again with Adrian
Newey. Newey left Red Bull last season to head up Aston Martin's
preparations for the new regulations, and has been busy designing
its 2026 car. The Silverstone-based outfit has already been in
deep discussions with Honda over the engine for next year, and have
been very eager to understand its layout. "We have already
received several requests from Aston Martin to improve
competitiveness," revealed Watanabe. "We don't know if they come
from Newey, but in addition to Newey, Andy [Cowell] also headed the
power unit department at Mercedes, so he has a good understanding
of the power unit. "It's positive for us to have someone with that
knowledge on the car development side and to be able to discuss
things with him. "We have already received requests for the layout
[of the power unit] and a group is working with Aston Martin on
that."
