Honda deliver statement following Christian Horner departure

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."