Oracle Red Bull Racing Celebrates Honda Partnership at Japanese Grand Prix
Oracle Red Bull Racing / Red Bull Content Pool
Oracle Red Bull Racing is set to mark a significant moment in motorsport history at this week's 2025 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, not just with the high-octane action on the track, but with a heartfelt tribute off it. The team will be celebrating its highly successful partnership with Honda, which concludes at the end of this season, through a comprehensive team takeover in both Tokyo and Suzuka. The centerpiece of this celebration will be a striking special livery adorning both RB21 cars driven by reigning world champion Max Verstappen and his new Japanese teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. This unique white and red design is directly inspired by the Honda RA272, the very car that delivered Honda's inaugural Formula One victory in 1965. This year marks the 60th anniversary of that milestone, making the tribute all the more poignant.
The livery meticulously recreates the iconic Japanese flag motif that characterized the RA272. The prominent "H" logo will feature on the nose of the RB21, while the simple, classic Honda logo will grace the rear of the car's bodywork. Furthermore, a special emblem commemorating the 60th anniversary of Honda's first F1 win will be displayed across all four Red Bull-affiliated cars on the grid, including those of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, underscoring the breadth of Honda's influence within the Red Bull program. This isn't the first time Oracle Red Bull Racing has opted for a white livery to honor their engine partners. In 2021, at the Turkish Grand Prix, the team ran a special white design, achieving a double podium finish with Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. However, this latest iteration, directly referencing the RA272, carries a deeper historical resonance, acknowledging the very genesis of Honda's winning legacy in Formula One. The Honda RA272, driven by Richie Ginther, secured its historic victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, a landmark moment as it was the first win for a Japanese constructor in the sport.
Oracle Red Bull Racing / Red Bull Content Pool
Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner emphasized the significance of this tribute, stating that the relationship with Honda has been one of "continued success," bringing the team "one of the most triumphant and dominant periods in our history." He highlighted the four World Drivers' Championships won by Verstappen powered by Honda, as well as two Constructors' titles. Horner also acknowledged Honda's exceptional reliability, which contributed to the team's record-breaking 2023 season. He expressed his anticipation for seeing the special livery on track during this final year of their "thoroughly enjoyable partnership." Echoing this sentiment, Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), conveyed his emotion at seeing the RA272 tribute on the modern Red Bull machinery in the final year of their collaboration. He affirmed that their "successful path will continue to shine in the history of F1."
The celebrations extend beyond the Suzuka circuit. Leading up to the Grand Prix, Oracle Red Bull Racing has orchestrated a "REBL Car Culture Meet" in Tokyo. This event aims to celebrate the deep connection between Japanese car culture and Formula One, bringing together enthusiasts and their vehicles. In a further homage to Honda and Japanese automotive heritage, a 1990s Honda NSX, wrapped in a livery matching the RB21's tribute design, will be showcased alongside an Oracle Red Bull Racing showcar, providing a global unveiling of the special livery. The event will also feature a customization station for REBL Car Culture merchandise and the launch of a collaborative collection between Japanese streetwear brand Neighborhood, Honda, and Oracle Red Bull Racing, bridging the worlds of fashion, motorsport, and automotive culture. In a unique spectacle, a Red Bull Showrun will take place through the streets of Tokyo on Wednesday, featuring all four of the current 2025 Red Bull F1 drivers: Max Verstappen, home hero Yuki Tsunoda, New Zealander Liam Lawson, and rookie Isack Hadjar.
Adding a historical dimension to the showrun, the drivers will take to the streets in a Honda RA272, the RB16B (the car that propelled Verstappen to his first world title with Honda power), and two RB7 cars from the team's heritage collection, which themselves secured double World Championships for the team. This unprecedented event underscores the team's commitment to celebrating their partnership with Honda and engaging with the passionate Japanese fanbase. When the team arrives at Suzuka for the race week, the tribute will extend beyond the cars. Team kit partner Castore has produced a limited-edition white, red, and black polo shirt, mirroring the special livery, which will be worn by the entire team, including their renowned pit crew. Verstappen and Tsunoda will also sport bespoke white, red, and black Sparco race suits and special edition Japan GP helmets, completing the visual homage to Honda throughout the race weekend.This comprehensive "white hot takeover" around the Japanese Grand Prix signifies the deep respect and appreciation Oracle Red Bull Racing holds for its championship-winning partnership with Honda, marking a fitting tribute as their successful collaboration draws to a close.
Oracle Red Bull Racing / Red Bull Content Pool
