Red Bull Racing has revealed a striking white-and-red livery for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, paying tribute to engine partner Honda in their final season together. The design echoes the team’s 2021 Turkish GP livery, celebrating Honda’s 60-year history in Formula 1—a partnership that delivered four drivers’ championships and two constructors’ titles.
A Nostalgic Nod to Honda’s Legacy
The livery features a white base with red accents, inspired by Honda’s classic F1 cars and the Japanese flag. A commemorative logo marks 60 years since Honda’s first F1 victory (Richie Ginther’s 1965 Mexican GP win), appearing on both Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls’ cars.
Team principal Christian Horner shared:
“Our relationship with Honda has been one of continued success, bringing the team one of the most dominant periods in our history. Max Verstappen has won four world titles with a Honda power unit, and the team has lifted two constructors’ titles. This all-white livery is a celebration of that journey.”
Tsunoda’s Homecoming with Red Bull
The Suzuka race holds extra significance as Yuki Tsunoda, Honda’s protégé, makes his Red Bull Racing debut alongside Max Verstappen. Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson early in the season, called the opportunity “fate,” given Honda’s farewell and his home Grand Prix.
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe added:
“It is moving to see the RA272-inspired livery on Red Bull’s car in our final year together.”
From Struggles to Dominance
Honda’s rocky return with McLaren in 2015 gave way to a dominant era with Red Bull, beginning with Toro Rosso in 2018. The partnership peaked with Max Verstappen’s 2019 Austrian GP victory, the first of 63 wins (and counting) powered by Honda.
Though Honda officially left F1 as a works supplier in 2021, Red Bull continued using its engines under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. Honda will return in 2026 with Aston Martin, while Red Bull shifts to its in-house Ford-developed engines.
A Full-Circle Tribute
The 2025 design mirrors the unused 2021 Japanese GP livery, originally intended for Suzuka before its COVID cancellation. Fans have long praised the white-and-red scheme as one of F1’s best one-off liveries, making its revival a poetic farewell.
What’s Next?
As Red Bull honors Honda’s legacy, the team remains focused on extending its championship streak. With Tsunoda’s promotion and Verstappen’s relentless form, Suzuka could cap this partnership with yet another milestone.
