Honda: "Someone even asked if the withdrawal could not be undone"
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- GPblog.com
Honda is stepping out of Formula 1 after 2021 just as it can team up with Red Bull Racing to compete against Mercedes for the world title. But according to Masaya Nagai, Director of Motorsport at Honda, a return is always a possibility.
Honda have built an engine that can compete with Mercedes' engine in 2021. Nevertheless, the engine manufacturer is stepping out of Formula 1 after this year to shift its focus from F1 to the automotive industry and carbon neutral technology. "Everyone says it's a shame. Someone even asked if the withdrawal could not be undone," Nagai said in conversation with the Japanese branch of Motorsport.com.
The chances of a return from 2025 or beyond
The current V6 turbo engines no longer fit the direction Honda wants to go, but new engines will appear in Formula 1 in 2025. Although Honda is not participating in the talks about what those engines should look like, Nagai let it be known that there is always a small chance that Honda could return to the sport.
"The power source is changing. The way of racing can also change through carbon neutral development. If that suits us, we may consider participating again by then. That moment can always come, but it's not an issue at the moment," Nagai concluded.