The Japanese manufacturer enjoyed a very successful period with the Woking team in the late 1980s and early 1990s before leaving F1 in 1992.
The two companies reunited in 2015, when Honda returned for the hybrid era.
However, the partnership ended prematurely after three disappointing seasons, with Honda moving to Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and McLaren switching to Renault engines.
Both Honda and McLaren have admitted that communication has always proved a hindrance to their collaboration, with boss Masashi Yamamoto pointing out what the biggest problem was.
“Since the days with McLaren we have learned a lot from them, but we think we have had too much respect for each other,” said Yamamoto.
“That’s why there were gaps, especially in communication. It was a pity that the project didn’t go well.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, Masashi Yamamoto, General Manager, Honda Motorsport, with a trophy
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Honda joined forces first with Toro Rosso and then with Red Bull, whose partnership ended with Max Verstappen’s victory in this season’s riders’ championship.
Honda had already decided this would be its final year in F1, with Red Bull taking over management of its engines.
Despite the success of 2021, Yamamoto said an afterthought on abandonment was never considered.
“Leaving F1 was a very important decision for Honda, with zero emissions in mind and also with customers all over the world”
“Even with good results this year, we have never had a second thought to stay.”
Honda will assist Red Bull with its engine, Yamamoto said the development “will be totally controlled by Red Bull but in accordance with its needs”.
![Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB15, crosses the line](https://cdn-2.motorsport.com/images/mgl/0ZRmBX40/s8/max-verstappen-red-bull-racing-1.jpg)
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB15, crosses the line
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
Among the best memories of Honda’s last year in F1, Yamamoto looks back on Verstappen’s first podium in the opening race of the 2019 season.
“The best moment for me is the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, the first podium with Red Bull Racing. Obviously also Austria 2019, first victory with Red Bull”.
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