Honda reject early Red Bull return rumour

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."