Honda commits to F1 for 2021 with new Red Bull deal

Honda will remain in Formula 1 until at least the end of the 2021 season after penning a new one-year deal with Red Bull.

The announcement brings to an end speculation regarding Honda’s future in F1 for the short-term at least, with the contract extension committing the Japanese manufacturer to the championship’s first year of its next regulation cycle.

Following a turbulent return to F1 with McLaren, Honda joined forces with Red Bull a year after its sister squad Toro Rosso for 2019 and has claimed two pole positions and three victories so far this season.

Its upturn in fortunes over the past two campaigns with the Red Bull-owned outfits has helped rebuild Honda’s reputation after a disastrous three-year spell partnering McLaren, which was marred by poor performance and reliability.

Max Verstappen scored Honda’s first F1 win since 2006 at the Austrian Grand Prix in June and added a further two victories in Germany and Brazil, where he led Honda’s first one-two finish in 28 years ahead of Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly.

Speaking after his win last time out at Interlagos, Verstappen praised Honda’s “massive” gains throughout the campaign.

“I think Honda is definitely on a very good way,” Verstappen said.

“Throughout the season they have been improving massively so just very pleased with it.

“I think we’ve learned a lot of stuff in the last few races so hopefully it’s a good sign to have put a start to next year.”

Honda has also confirmed it will continue to power Toro Rosso for 2021, extending its collaboration with the Faenza squad into a fourth season in the process.