Max Verstappen and Honda’s latest comments are clearest sign yet that Aston Martin must go all-out to sign him for 2026

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Max Verstappen once again proved why so many people in the paddock consider him to be the fastest driver on the Formula 1 grid right now at the Japanese Grand Prix.

It turned out to be a race weekend decided by qualifying, and Max Verstappen produced one of the best laps of his career to put his Red Bull on pole position.

The margins were extremely small, and if Verstappen had been just one-tenth slower on his final flying lap, he would have started behind both McLarens.

That proved to be the difference, as his defensive line heading into the first corner covered off Lando Norris, and neither he nor Oscar Piastri could find a way to win the Japanese Grand Prix.

It means that Verstappen is just one point behind Norris in the drivers’ championship, once again proving that it’s impossible to write off the 27-year-old even when he’s not in the fastest car.

The Anglo-Austrian team have had their issues this season, with Verstappen disagreeing with Red Bull’s decision to drop Liam Lawson, citing an issue with the car rather than the driver.

However, Verstappen has never had a bad word to say about Honda and made sure to highlight their contribution to his success in Formula 1.

After winning four championships together, Honda will become Aston Martin’s exclusive power unit supplier from 2026.

Verstappen’s comments about the Japanese engine manufacturer after winning at Suzuka should be enough to convince chairman Lawrence Stroll that he needs to continue to try and hire the 27-year-old for next season.

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Max Verstappen hails Honda after winning the Japanese Grand Prix

Verstappen was asked in the official press conference after the race how much it meant to him to win in Japan during his last Red Bull race with Honda, and he replied: “It means a lot to me.

“It was in the back of my mind as well. On those last few laps, I was like, ‘Well, I need to try and stay ahead – it would be a great story.’ Our final kind of farewell race together with Honda here in Japan.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together. And I think this is like a perfect send-off.

“Already yesterday was a very beautiful day for us. And then, of course, to follow it up with a win is just fantastic.

“Honestly, the relationship that we’ve had with Honda has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed my time with them — how they also work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are.

“They’ve given me so much. Together we’ve won four drivers’ championships and two constructors’. It’s been unbelievable and also, of course, something you’ll never forget.

“I said it would be insane to win here today, also for Honda on their track as well.

“So maybe it gave that extra motivation to try to stay ahead. But it’s a proper send-off. I mean, we couldn’t have wished for a better weekend, to be honest.”

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Honda keen to have their say on Aston Martin’s driver line-up in 2026

Aston Martin have been linked with Verstappen, and it would be hard for any team to turn down the four-time world champion if he had an interest in signing with them.

Not only would Verstappen be reunited with Honda, but also Adrian Newey, who has been tasked with building Aston Martin’s 2026 car.

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Red Bull’s first in-house power unit that will make its debut in 2026, and if they’re too far off the pace, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if Verstappen starts to explore his options.

Honda Racing president Koji Watanabe was speaking to The Japan Times about his organisation’s upcoming relationship with Aston Martin and said: “It is an honour to work together again with Newey at Aston Martin. We will work together to create a competitive F1 car.

“The number of seats will be reduced. However, as for us, we will continue to voice our opinions as Honda in deciding the drivers for 2026 and beyond.

“Obviously the team has the final say in deciding which drivers join the team … but the situation will be the same (as with Red Bull) where we will have our say.”

Aston Martin might never have a better chance to sign Verstappen than in the next 18 months, as they continue to build the perfect team for the Dutchman.