The Japanese manufacturer had an extremely successful time with the Woking team in the late 1980s and early 1990s before leaving the sport in 1992.
The two companies were reunited in 2015 when Honda returned to F1 for the hybrid era.
However, the partnership ended prematurely after three disappointing seasons, with Honda switching to Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and McLaren to Renault Engines.
Both Honda and McLaren admitted that communication was always a challenge in their partnership, and Japanese manufacturer F1 chief Masashi Yamamoto believes that too much respect for one another was one of the reasons for the problem.
“We have learned a lot from them since the McLaren days, but we think we had too much mutual respect,” said Yamamoto.
“So maybe we had a short, a little short communication and then it was a shame that the project didn’t go well.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st place, Masashi Yamamoto, General Manager, Honda Motorsport, with a trophy
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Honda teamed up with Toro Rosso first and then Red Bull, and their partnership ended with Max Verstappen, who won the drivers’ championship that season.
Honda had already decided, however, that this would be his final year in F1, with Red Bull taking over the operation of its engines.
Despite this year’s success, Yamamoto said rethinking his exit was never considered.
“Leaving F1 was a very important decision for Honda, both for carbon neutrality and for customers around the world,” added Yamamoto.
“Although we’re getting good results this year, we never had a discussion about staying here.”
While Honda will be supporting Red Bull with its engine, Yamamoto said the development is “completely controlled by Red Bull, but in accordance with Red Bull’s wish”.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB15, crosses the finish line
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
Yamamoto had his fondest memories of Honda’s recent years in Formula 1, saying that Verstappen’s first podium finish with Honda was high on the list in the 2019 season opener.
“The best moment for me is the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, my first podium with Red Bull Racing. And of course Austria in 2019, my first victory with Red Bull.”
