Breaking news
Formula 1
Verstappen "could feel" Honda's F1 exit was coming
Max Verstappen says Honda’s exit from Formula 1 did not take him too much by surprise, and he could "feel it coming" prior to the announcement.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Oct 8, 2020, 3:47 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Dutchman’s Red Bull team has been left hunting a new engine supplier from 2022 after current power unit partner Honda announced at the end of last week that it was to quit F1 at the end of next year.
But Verstappen said that even before Honda formally notified him and Red Bull of its plans, he sensed that they were not going to stick around.
“I mean you could feel it coming,” he said ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix. “Of course, you don't show it, but of course I also knew a little bit earlier than the announcement. But I guess it's just a shame, but understandable from their side.”
Verstappen said his suspicions about Honda’s departure came after he had committed to Red Bull until 2023, but he was aware that their future presence was never guaranteed.
“It definitely came after I signed the deal,” he said. “But they never committed a lot longer, so you could expect something like this.
“You're never sure, and that's the same for teams as well. I mean you sign a deal with them, but who knows what is happening in five years’ time, right?
“So, yeah, it is what it is. To be honest, like I said, you could feel it coming. I mean, I guess the whole situation in the whole wide world is definitely not helping.”
Read Also:
- Red Bull and Renault could work together again - Ricciardo
- Renault: Red Bull deal wouldn't impact works Alpine strategy
- Horner: No engine-related clause in Verstappen's contract
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said earlier this week that alarm bells about Honda’s future starting ringing in September when the team was notified that the Japanese car manufacturer was bringing forward its 2022 engine design by one year.
“At the end of last month we were informed that they wanted to bring forward their engine for the 2022 season to 2021,” Horner wrote in his regular Red Bull column.
“At the time, one could see that either as a good sign or a bad sign, but following our many discussions it did not come as any surprise when they clarified their intention to withdraw from Formula 1.
“Honda have been thoroughly courteous and open with Red Bull and very correct with how they have done things, which has also provided us with time.”
Verstappen said that while Honda’s decision had left Red Bull’s long term plans up in the air, he said that the short-term focus on winning would not be impacted.
“I mean it's a shame,” added Verstappen. “But, yeah, you have to understand them, the reasons, and we just keep on pushing. That's also what they said.
“Of course they're going to pull out, but they're not just going to back off now. We just keep working together, because we have a great relationship. So it's really enjoyable to work with the guys.
“For the rest of the year we just keep on going and also for next year, introducing the new engine. You know, I'm very much looking forward to that as well, to just bring it to a good end and basically push until the last race.”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Red Bull and Renault could work together again - Ricciardo
Next article Hamilton against tearing down trees for new Rio F1 track
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Max Verstappen
Red Bull identifies two "key focus" areas after Max Verstappen's promising start in Austin
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
5 h
Red Bull identifies two "key focus" areas after Max Verstappen's promising start in Austin
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
More from
Red Bull Racing
"Just undriveable" – Isack Hadjar looking for answers after "massive" struggles in Austin practice
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
3 h
"Just undriveable" – Isack Hadjar looking for answers after "massive" struggles in Austin practice
Red Bull called Christian Horner to thank him for F1 engine project after maiden win
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Red Bull called Christian Horner to thank him for F1 engine project after maiden win
Latest news
Why Cadillac F1 boss provoked fresh intrigue by dodging driver question
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
32 min
Why Cadillac F1 boss provoked fresh intrigue by dodging driver question
Lamborghini World Finals | PRO-PRO/AM Qualifying: Pole position for Lind, Bamber, Van der Drift and Marcelli
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
47 min
Lamborghini World Finals | PRO-PRO/AM Qualifying: Pole position for Lind, Bamber, Van der Drift and Marcelli
Jorge Martin's endless ordeal since signing for Aprilia
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Australian GP
1 h
Jorge Martin's endless ordeal since signing for Aprilia
Johann Zarco retires from Australian GP sprint: It was “dangerous” to continue
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Australian GP
1 h
Johann Zarco retires from Australian GP sprint: It was “dangerous” to continue
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe