Honda has expressed a strong desire to see its Formula 1 engines propel Max Verstappen once again in the future, beyond the current season.
The four-time world champion sparked speculation earlier this week during an event in Tokyo, held to commemorate the impending conclusion of Honda's triumphant partnership with Red Bull. "I'm still quite young and you never know what happens in the future," Verstappen remarked. "I could never have imagined the heights we would reach with four championships won together."
The idea of reuniting with Verstappen—potentially through the Dutchman activating an exit clause and joining Aston Martin—appears to hold significant appeal for Honda.
"After this season, our focus is on the collaboration with Aston Martin," said Koji Watanabe, head of Honda Racing Corporation, in an interview with De Telegraaf newspaper. "Honestly, I hope that there will be another opportunity for Honda to work with Max Verstappen. I sincerely hope so."
Watanabe elaborated on his admiration for the 27-year-old. "I have spoken to him many times, and he has always been positive about our attitude and mentality," he said.
"Max is also very strong in communication with the Honda engineers. He talks clearly with them, and that ensures that the engineers have become fans of his, and why they are extremely dedicated to him. People often see the sportsman, but I also have deep respect for Max as a person."
Meanwhile, the likelihood of Verstappen departing Red Bull is increasing, with the driver raising concerns about chassis "flexing" during the Suzuka weekend.
The team is grappling with an outdated wind tunnel, which Dr Helmut Marko described as "a remnant of the 1940s that was built by the British military". Compounding the issue, there appears to be a disconnect between the simulator and on-track performance.
Yuki Tsunoda noted after practice at Suzuka: "The feeling of the real car is a little more different from the virtual one that I expected. It was more extreme than I expected. The driving experience was much more difficult in the real car, especially in the fast corners."
Marko acknowledged the problem. "We should review our processes in the simulator, because often the basic setup when we get to the track isn't right," he admitted.
Adding to the intrigue, some observers believe Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, may have outdone the senior outfit with their 2025 car. When asked for his thoughts, Verstappen chuckled. "I think they've surprised themselves with their car," he said. "On one lap, they're close."
