Honda is refusing to rule out returning to Formula 1 in 2026 when the new engine regulations come into force, revealing it is keeping a close eye on the matter.
Following its first world championship success for 30 years, Honda quit F1 at the end of last year to focus its efforts towards carbon neutrality in its road car division.
The Japanese manufacturer still constructs engines that power Red Bull and AlphaTauri, a deal that was agreed in principle until 2025 when Red Bull’s Powertrains division will take over the reigns.
But while Honda has turned its back on grand prix racing for now, its title success in 2021 – and F1’s push for a more sustainable future – has fuelled speculation it could seek a return in 2026.
Senior Honda officials were understood to have attended last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, and despite no formal conformation of its future plans, Honda admits it is considering lodging an entry for 2026.
Speaking in Austria, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said, as quoted by Motorsport.com: “Formula 1 is the top motorsports category, so we are always watching what is happening in the F1 world.
“Of course, we just finished and concluded our activities, so nothing [has been] discussed within the Honda company about 2026 season. So, no plan.
“[But] it is not a closed door. My understanding is that F1 is discussing to decide the regulations for 2026, and definitely the direction is carbon neutrality. That is the same direction as us.
“So we don’t have to [diverge] from carbon neutrality through F1 now. It is probably also a good opportunity to study carbon neutral F1. So it’s not a closed door.”
Asked what factors were in play for Honda to make its F1 return a reality, Watanabe said: “I think there are several factors we need to watch.
“But once we decided to conclude the F1 because of mass production [road cars] and carbon neutrality, first we need to concentrate on this side.
“Then, once we can realise that we can achieve this, we can consider F1.”
Watanabe suggested that Honda would need to make a decision regarding a potential return in 2026 by the end of next year.
“I don’t know the exact time frame,” he said. “But if we want to return to F1 in 2026, probably we need to decide within 1-1.5 years.”
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