2009 without the Honda team?

The world of Formula 1 must prepare for the announcement from Honda Racing, which could likely withdraw from the F1 grid as early as next season.

In the midst of the global financial recession and its impact on Honda vehicle sales, it is highly likely that the team’s future is compromised.

A meeting of senior Honda executives was held this Thursday afternoon in Japan to announce that the manufacturer was no longer willing to finance the team.

It is suggested that the team will be put up for sale and if no buyer is found before March, the constructor will definitively withdraw from Formula 1 with all the consequences that follow for the Grand Prix.

In the midst of the current financial climate, it is difficult to know where Honda Racing hopes to find a buyer willing to take on a Formula 1 team with a budget already exceeding 120 million euros per year.

However, according to some sources, the team could rely on Ross Brawn to approach Ferrari for engine supply, but does the Italian manufacturer still have the capacity after the end of the contract with Force India?

Discussions will take place next week with Japanese executives in Tokyo to determine the future of the team and especially to define what will happen if no buyer is found.

Honda Racing refrained from commenting on Thursday’s meeting, preferring to wait for an official statement on Friday morning to reveal its plans.

The probable withdrawal of the Honda Racing team raises questions about the future of other manufacturers.

This also means that this bad news could leave drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello without a future… More reasons for the team to look for a driver with lots of sponsors…