HONDA TO LEAVE F1 AT THE END OF 2021

Honda to leave F1 at the end of 2021 – Photo: LAT

Honda has made the shock announcement that it will leave the FIA Formula 1 World Championship as an engine manufacturer at the end of 2021.

By DAN McCARTHY

This surprising announcement will leave both Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri on the hunt to find themselves another engine manufacturer from 2022 onwards.

Both Red Bull backed teams signed the Concorde Agreement to remain in Formula 1 until the end of 2025 and will need to source a new power unit partnership from either Mercedes, Ferrari, former power unit partners Renault unless they can find a new engine manufacturer.

Honda’s sudden withdrawal can be attributed to the brand’s future in electric power, a statement read.

“Honda needs to funnel its corporate resources in research and development into the areas of future power unit and energy technologies, including fuel cell vehicle (FCV) and battery EV (BEV) technologies, which will be the core of carbon-free technologies,” the statement said.

The Japanese manufacturer re-entered the sport as an engine manufacturer in 2015 after leaving Formula 1 as a constructors’ team at the end of 2008.

Honda returned with McLaren five years ago fascinated by the hybrid engine technology, however the partnership quickly turned toxic and relations were strained.

At the end of 2017, Honda split with McLaren and joined forces with Toro Rosso in 2018 and latterly Red Bull Racing 12 months later.

In the two and a half years since the new partnerships began Honda has taken five race wins, four with Red Bull Racing and one with the Italian sister team.

For more of the latest F1 news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.