Red Bull back in white in Japan (photos)
On the occasion of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Oracle Red Bull Racing pays tribute to Honda with a special livery inspired by the legendary RA272, the symbol of Honda's first Formula 1 victory in 1965. The move marks the final year of the partnership between the two entities, and celebrates one of the most successful duos in motorsport history.

This week, Oracle Red Bull Racing is paying tribute to Honda during its home Grand Prix in Japan. To celebrate the end of one of the most iconic engine partnerships in Formula 1 history, the team is running both RB21 cars in a special livery directly inspired by the legendary Honda RA272.
The RA272 gave Honda its very first Formula 1 victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, with American driver Richie Ginther at the wheel of car number 11. To mark the 60th anniversary of that historic achievement, Red Bull has recreated the RA272’s iconic look with a dazzling white design accented with red details reminiscent of the Japanese flag. The “H” logo is proudly displayed on the nose of the car, while a more discreet Honda logo is placed on the rear of the bodywork.
A special “60 Years of Honda’s First F1 Win” logo also features on all four Red Bull cars on the grid. This is the second time the Austrian team has adopted a white livery to honor Honda — the first being at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, where Red Bull achieved a double podium. That livery left such an impression on fans that many had since called for its return.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner emphasized the importance of the partnership: « Our relationship with Honda deserves celebration — it’s been one of the most successful in our history. Max has won four world titles with a Honda engine, and the team has claimed two constructors’ championships. Honda’s reliability helped us achieve the most successful season in F1 history in 2023. This livery pays tribute to that success and closes a particularly enjoyable partnership. I can’t wait to see it on track. »
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), added: « It’s very emotional to see this tribute livery to the RA272 on Red Bull Racing’s latest car in this final year of our partnership. Our journey together will remain etched in F1 history. »
A Tokyo event celebrating Japan and car culture
Even before the race weekend kicked off, Red Bull took over Tokyo on Tuesday night with an event titled *REBL Car Culture Meet*, celebrating the heart of Japanese automotive culture. Enthusiasts from across the country gathered around a Red Bull show car and a 1990s Honda NSX dressed in a matching livery to the RB21.
The event also showcased a three-way collaboration between Red Bull Racing, Honda, and renowned Japanese streetwear brand *Neighborhood*, with customizable products available on site.
Red Bull Showrun: a historic parade through Tokyo
For the first time, the *Red Bull Showrun*, powered by Honda, took place Wednesday in the streets of Tokyo. All four Red Bull drivers — Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Isack Hadjar — drove legendary cars in the parade:
– The historic Honda RA272,
– The RB16B, with which Max won his first world championship,
– Two RB7s from Red Bull’s Heritage collection, which delivered both drivers’ and constructors’ titles to the team.
A matching look for the entire team
To top it off, the team’s apparel partner, Castore, designed a limited-edition white, red, and black polo shirt to match the special livery. It will be worn by the entire team at Suzuka, including the pit crew — known as the fastest in Formula 1.
Drivers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda will also wear custom Sparco race suits in Japanese colors, along with special helmets designed just for this Grand Prix.