When two iconic brands part ways in motorsport, sometimes it feels like a breakup. No, I'm not talking about Honda and Repsol; I'm talking about Honda and Red Bull. Well, Honda has rekindled its relationship with one of its former lovers.
As previously speculated here, Honda and Red Bull are joining forces once again in MotoGP, as Red Bull returns as a sponsor after leaving the Japanese manufacturer's fairings four years ago. The wording of the announcement makes it seem likely that Red Bull will have a greater commitment to HRC than it did during the Marquez era. Expect the Red Bull logos to be more prominent this time round than when last seen on HRC machinery in 2023.
“Going into the new championship, with the 850cc bikes, it is essential to have partners who share the same goals and ambitions. I have no doubt about what we can achieve together, and I know we will be able to give our fans some incredible moments,” said Koji Watanabe, HRC president.
Interestingly, Red Bull was able to part ways with Honda due to a clause that was activated when Marc Marquez left for Gresini Racing. So, what pulled the energy drink company back to Honda?
Red Bull and Honda joining forces once more might have something to do with the star talent joining Honda in 2027: Fabio Quartararo, arguably the most notable Monster Energy athlete on the grid. Quartararo has a personal sponsorship with Monster Energy and rides for the Monster Energy Yamaha team. As of 2027, Mr. Monster Quartararo will also become a Red Bull athlete, according to rumors, and that's not the only shake-up that Red Bull joining Honda has caused.
Right now, you can't tell a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike from a Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine without seeing the rider's number, because the bikes are identical, but next year they won't be. Red Bull will continue to be the title sponsor for the factory KTM team, but its deal with Tech3 appears to be changing. Tech3 stated that it signed a new multi-year deal with Red Bull, starting in 2027, but Red Bull won't play the same sponsoring role as it currently does. In relation to sponsorship, Tech3's CEO, Gunther Steiner, recently said that Red Bull "will certainly not be as prominent".
The Red Bull logos on the lower fairings of Tech3 bikes won't make it to 2027. What will replace the logos remains to be seen, however, Steiner stated that the Tech3 is looking for its own sponsors separately from the factory KTM team. This means that, as of 2027, six bikes on the grid will feature Red Bull sponsorship, which matches the number of bikes on the grid wearing Monster Energy (Aprilia Racing, Ducati Lenovo, and Monster Energy Yamaha).
