At this year’s Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull is set to showcase a striking white livery in honor of its longstanding power unit partnership with Honda. This marks the final race together at Suzuka, as Haas also introduces a unique design for Toyota’s home event.
The collaboration between Red Bull and Honda in Formula 1 kicked off in 2019, a year after Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s junior team, began utilizing Honda engines. Since then, the partnership has secured an impressive four drivers’ championships and two constructors’ titles, amassing 64 race victories across both teams.
As Honda transitions to become Aston Martin’s principal engine supplier under new regulations in 2026, and Red Bull embarks on developing its own powertrain, this year stands as the last time their partnership will compete at Suzuka. In a nod to Honda’s heritage, Red Bull will adopt a livery inspired by the RA272—Honda’s iconic car that clinched its first F1 victory in 1965.
Christian Horner, team principal at Red Bull, expressed heartfelt sentiments, saying, “Our journey with Honda has been phenomenal, yielding triumphs and dominant seasons. With Max [Verstappen] securing four world titles and the team capturing two constructors’ championships, Honda’s reliability was key to our historic success in 2023. This livery is a tribute to Honda’s achievements and a fitting farewell to a memorable partnership. I can’t wait to see it in action on the track.”
In addition, Verstappen and his new teammate Yuki Tsunoda will don custom helmet designs and white race suits over the weekend. This homage comes as the second livery change for Red Bull, the first being during the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, noted, “Seeing the RA272 livery on the current Red Bull Racing car in our final year together is an emotional moment. Our legacy in F1 continues to illuminate the sport’s storied history.”
While the Japanese Grand Prix unfolds at a Honda-owned circuit, Haas, another team with Japanese ties, will unveil a special livery as well. In collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing since late last year, Haas will celebrate Japan’s cherry blossom season with a stunning “sakura” design on its VF-25.
Following a successful outing in Shanghai, Haas’s team principal, Ayao Komatsu, conveyed his excitement, stating, “We’re invigorated heading into Japan. Suzuka presents unique challenges for drivers and engineers in setting up the car. Despite our competitive showing in Shanghai, we recognize an underlying car issue from Melbourne. Our focus this weekend is to enhance the VF-25’s performance and maximize our drivers’ capabilities, keeping us prepared for any hurdles.”
With all eyes on the legendary Suzuka Circuit, both Red Bull and Haas are poised to deliver thrilling performances, each honoring their respective Japanese partnerships through vibrant and symbolic designs.
