# Honda's 500th F1 Race: Struggles and Comebacks

> Honda's 500th F1 race shows resilience after decades of setbacks.
- Title: Honda's 500th F1 Race: Struggles and Comebacks · The Drive
- Summary: Honda's 500th F1 race shows resilience after decades of setbacks. Honda has competed in 500 F1 races since 1964 but struggles to return to dominance after…
- Keywords: honda, formula 1, aston martin, lance stroll, fernando alonso, honda racing corporation, ferrari, mercedes, renault, mclaren, red bull racing, Honda's
- Source: The Drive — https://thedrive.com/news/after-500-f1-races-honda-doesnt-know-when-itll-be-back-on-top-but-its-been-here-before
- Author: Jerry Perez
- Published: 2026-10-26T16:42:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: honda, f1, formula 1, aston martin, lance stroll, fernando alonso, honda racing corporation, ferrari, mercedes, renault, mclaren, red bull racing
## Honda's 500th F1 Race
Honda Racing Corporation celebrated its 500th Formula 1 race at the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin.

> The 2026 United States Grand Prix marked the Japanese automaker’s 500th Formula 1 race.
## Honda's F1 History
Honda entered F1 in 1964, winning its first race in 1965 and competing as a factory team until 1968.

> From 1964 through 1968, it competed as a factory team, building its own engine and chassis and securing its first-ever F1 win in 1965 at the Mexican Grand Prix.
## Golden Era with McLaren
Honda's partnership with McLaren from 1988 to 1991 earned four consecutive Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.

> The golden era was arguably the McLaren-Honda partnership, steered by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost; from 1988 to 1991, Honda defined its involvement in F1 and reinforced its commitment to racing in general.
## Recent Struggles
Honda's current Aston Martin team finished 15th and 16th in the 2026 race, but has improved significantly with recent upgrades.

> The Honda-powered Aston Martin racers of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso managed 15th and 16th on race day.
## Past Challenges
Honda faced setbacks including a seven-year hiatus from F1 before returning in 2015 with McLaren.

> Following a seven-year hiatus from F1, Honda returned in 2015 as a power unit supplier, again with McLaren, for what is arguably the worst stain on an otherwise long and successful record.
## Future Plans
New Honda Racing president Keiichi Yasuda will take over on January 1, with confidence in Honda's continued success.

> Watanabe expressed confidence in Yasuda, explaining that he has extensive experience in operations and the racing division.
## Key takeaway

Honda has competed in 500 F1 races since 1964 but struggles to return to dominance after recent poor results.