Max Verstappen's latest remark could be a casual observation or a calculated signal, as he indicated that his future might still involve Honda power.
Amid speculation about his next career step, the Dutchman participated in a pre-Japanese Grand Prix 'show-run' in Tokyo with vintage Red Bull F1 cars, commenting on Honda: "It's goodbye for now."
Verstappen secured all four of his consecutive drivers' championships since 2021 with Honda engines, though the Japanese manufacturer will shift its focus solely to Aston Martin starting in 2026.
At 27, Verstappen has been connected to potential moves to Aston Martin or Mercedes, with Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko frequently acknowledging the presence of 'exit' clauses in his contract. "I'm still quite young and you never know what happens in the future," Verstappen elaborated in Tokyo.
This weekend marks Honda's final home race alongside Red Bull. "I just want to enjoy the weekend and go as fast as possible, but it's also about remembering what we've achieved together in the sport," he told Algemeen Dagblad newspaper.
"And who knows, maybe in the future too. I could never have imagined the heights we would reach with four championships won together."
At Suzuka on Thursday, Verstappen openly confirmed 'liking' a social media post that described Liam Lawson's dismissal as "bullying," and addressed the challenges of the 2025 Red Bull. "From my side it is very difficult to say how difficult or how good the car is to drive, because I have never driven for another team," he said.
"I adapt as best I can."
