Red Bull to run retro-inspired Honda livery in Japanese GP
The Milton Keynes-based squad is paying tribute to engine partner Honda in their final Japanese GP together
Digital Render of the RB21 with the Livery for 2025 Suzuka GP with Honda. // Oracle Red Bull Racing / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503310636 // Usage for editorial use only //
Digital Render of the RB21 with the livery for the Japanese GP
Red Bull Racing has unveiled the livery that it will sport during this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, paying homage to Honda in the manufacturer’s final home race with the Milton Keynes team.
The mostly white colour scheme is inspired by Honda’s first victory in Formula 1 in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix in the hands of Richie Ginther, who scored his sole grand prix win in that event.
Red Bull’s design pays tribute to the Honda RA272 driven by the American, 60 years on from the Japanese manufacturer’s first win.
This weekend will mark the second time that Red Bull will race the white livery honouring Honda, having previously used it during the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished first and third respectively.
“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,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“Max has won four world titles with a Honda power unit, and the team have lifted two constructors’ titles. In addition, Honda’s reliability enabled it to complete the most successful season in the sport’s history in 2023.
“This livery is a tribute to Honda’s success in the sport and the final year of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable partnership. I am looking forward to seeing it out on track.”
Red Bull’s livery for the Japanese Grand Prix
Red Bull's livery for the Japanese Grand Prix
Honda’s partnership with Red Bull will end after this season as the team will produce its own engines in collaboration with Ford for F1’s new era starting in 2026.
Honda will make an official return to grand prix racing with Aston Martin.
Honda’s president Koji Watanabe added: “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. Our successful path will continue to shine in the history of F1.”
Red Bull will have a different driver line-up at Suzuka this weekend after the team decided to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, who will now partner Max Verstappen.