Honda

Honda has had three distinct eras in Formula 1: the 1960s constructor era (Richie Ginther's 1965 Mexico GP win), the late-1980s engine-supplier dominance (six consecutive Constructors' Championships from 1986-1991 with Williams and McLaren), and the 2006-2008 constructor era (purchased BAR, became Honda Racing F1, withdrew citing financial crisis). Honda also returned as engine supplier from 2015 (initially with McLaren disastrously, then Toro Rosso, then Red Bull triumphantly winning the 2021-2024 Drivers' Championships with Verstappen). The Japanese manufacturer's F1 history is the most varied of any major manufacturer — championships and disasters in roughly equal measure.

Origins

Honda entered Formula 1 in 1964 as a constructor with the RA271, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer in the sport. The team was based at Honda's UK facility in Slough. Richie Ginther won the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix in the RA272 — Honda's first F1 victory and Japan's first F1 win. John Surtees won the 1967 Italian Grand Prix at Monza in the RA300 — Honda's second F1 victory. After Jo Schlesser's death at the 1968 French GP in the experimental RA302 (a magnesium-bodied air-cooled prototype), Honda withdrew at end of 1968. The first Honda era lasted five seasons and produced two race wins. Honda returned as engine supplier in 1983 with Spirit, then Williams from 1984.

Golden Era

Honda's golden era was 1986-1991 as engine supplier. Williams-Honda won the 1986 and 1987 Constructors' Championships with Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet. McLaren-Honda won the 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991 Constructors' Championships with Senna and Prost. Honda's V6 turbo (1986-1988) and V10 (1989-1991) engines were technologically dominant. The 1988 McLaren-Honda MP4/4 won 15 of 16 races. Honda withdrew at end of 1992 partly because regulation changes (turbo ban, then engine restrictions) reduced their technical advantage. The second Honda era was as engine supplier through Mugen-Honda (1995-1999, supplying Jordan and Ligier/Prost) — semi-works arrangements producing some success but not championship dominance.

Legendary Cars

The Honda RA272 (1965) won the team's first F1 race. The RA300 (1967) won at Monza. As engines: the Honda RA163 V6 turbo was Williams-Honda's championship engine. The Honda RA168 V6 turbo (1988) was McLaren-Honda's most dominant power unit. The Honda RA122 V12 (1991-1992) was the most powerful naturally-aspirated F1 engine of its era. As Honda Racing F1 (2006-2008): the Honda RA106 (2006) won at Hungary 2006 with Jenson Button — Honda's first constructor win since 1967. The RA107 (2007) and RA108 (2008) were uncompetitive. The 2009 chassis (designed under Honda funding before withdrawal) became the Brawn BGP 001 championship car.

Lows & Reinventions

Honda's lows have been spectacular. The 1968 RA302 air-cooled magnesium prototype caught fire after Jo Schlesser's crash, killing him — a catastrophe that ended the first Honda era. The 2007-2008 Honda Racing F1 seasons were uncompetitive despite Honda's full corporate commitment — Ross Brawn was hired in late 2007 to fix the team, but the 2008 RA108 was still poor. The 2008 financial crisis prompted Honda's December 2008 withdrawal announcement, leaving 700 staff at Brackley facing unemployment. The 2015-2017 McLaren-Honda partnership was a public disaster — Fernando Alonso's "GP2 engine!" radio rant after qualifying behind midfield cars at Suzuka 2015 became one of the era's defining moments. McLaren divorced Honda for 2018; Honda joined Toro Rosso (then Red Bull) in 2018-2019.

Modern Era

Honda's current F1 status is complex. Honda technically withdrew as a manufacturer at end of 2021, but Red Bull continued using Honda-developed power units rebranded as "Red Bull Powertrains" through 2025. Verstappen won the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Drivers' Championships using Honda-derived engines. Honda has announced a return as a full manufacturer for 2026 with Aston Martin — a five-year partnership replacing Mercedes customer engines. The 2026 power unit regulations (50/50 ICE/electric, sustainable fuels) are a strategic fit for Honda's electrification narrative. Honda's three F1 eras have produced two manufacturer-led championships (1965 win, 2006 win) plus six championships as engine supplier in 1986-1991, plus four more as Red Bull's engine partner 2021-2024 — making Honda one of the most successful F1 engine programs ever, despite its constructor underperformance.