NEW DELHI: Red Bull has unveiled a special white livery for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix in tribute to their F1 engine partner, Honda. The team is celebrating their successful collaboration, which has powered Max Verstappen to four consecutive Drivers’ World Championships.
Honda Partnership Farewell
The 2025 season marks the final year of Red Bull’s partnership with Honda, a collaboration that has been highly successful.
“Max has won four World titles with a Honda Power Unit and the team has lifted two Constructors’ titles,” Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, said.
“In addition, Honda’s reliability enabled us to complete the most successful season in the sport’s history in 2023.”
Red Bull’s focus for the future will shift as Honda moves to Aston Martin, while Red Bull will join forces with Ford through their newly established Powertrains division.
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A Nod to History
The livery is a direct reference to Honda’s historical achievements in Formula 1.
“It is quite moving to see the RA272 tribute livery on the latest Red Bull Racing machine, in the final year of Honda and Red Bull’s partnership,” said Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation.
The car’s design replicates the RA272’s Japanese flag motif with a ‘H’ logo on the nose and a Honda logo at the rear, celebrating Honda’s first Formula 1 victory, which occurred 60 years ago in 1965. This special tribute is particularly fitting for the Japanese Grand Prix, where the Honda connection is most significant.
Celebrating 60 Years of Honda in F1
This year is also significant as it marks the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first F1 win, achieved by American driver Richie Ginther at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. In commemoration of the milestone, the Red Bull cars will sport a special logo recognizing Honda’s lasting legacy in the sport.
Horner emphasized the importance of the Honda partnership, stating,
“Our relationship with Honda deserves celebration, it has been one of continued success and brought the team one of the most triumphant and dominant periods in our history.”
The livery’s unveiling serves as a heartfelt tribute to Honda’s achievements and the successful collaboration that has defined the last few seasons for Red Bull.
Tsunoda’s Suzuka Debut
Yuki Tsunoda, who will be replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the 2025 season, is set to make his debut at his home race in Suzuka. Tsunoda, who has been supported by Honda throughout his career, aims to achieve a podium finish in his first Red Bull race.
“I am aiming for a podium finish in my first appearance for Red Bull at Suzuka,” Tsunoda said.
The special Honda tribute livery will highlight the Red Bull cars during this historic race weekend.
In conclusion, the special white Honda tribute livery is a fitting farewell to a partnership that has played a key role in Red Bull’s success. As Horner mentioned,
“This livery is a tribute to Honda’s success in the sport and the final year of, what has been a thoroughly enjoyable partnership.”
It’s a symbol of respect and gratitude to Honda for their invaluable contribution to Red Bull’s Formula 1 triumphs.
