A control method for an internal combustion engine which is a driving source of a vehicle in which a driving force is transmitted to a transmission when a clutch is engaged, the control method includes: when the internal combustion engine which is automatically stopped in a state where the clutch is disengaged is restarted, performing a torque down control to decrease a target torque of the internal combustion engine when the clutch is engaged; setting a predetermined torque release time period determined in accordance with a driving state; and ending the torque down control at a timing at which the torque release time period is elapsed from an engagement command of the clutch which is generated during the torque down control.