Red Bull unveils special Honda tribute livery for Japanese GP

Red Bull honors Honda with a special livery at Suzuka ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The new Red Bull livery for the Japanese GP on April 6, unveiled to commemorate its partnership with Honda, on April 1, 2025. (c) Red Bull

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Red Bull has unveiled a special livery ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on April 6, paying tribute to Honda, their long-time engine partner. The design is a nod to Honda’s historic success in Formula One, marking the final season of their collaboration with Red Bull.

"The team will pay tribute to Honda at their home race this week," Red Bull stated on their official website.

As part of the tribute, the livery draws inspiration from the iconic Honda RA272, the car that secured Honda’s first Formula One victory in 1965 at the Mexican Grand Prix with Richie Ginther behind the wheel.

A tribute to Honda’s F1 legacy

Red Bull’s decision to honor Honda comes as the partnership enters its final phase before the team transitions to its in-house powertrain division. The livery is designed with a red and white color scheme, symbolizing Honda’s legacy and the Japanese flag.

"To mark the final season of one of the most successful PU partnerships in motorsport history, Oracle Red Bull Racing will race in a special livery, inspired by the Honda RA272's first victory in the sport," the team announced.

The livery features a bold red circle on a white background, resembling the Japanese flag, while also incorporating a stylized "H" to represent Honda. Red Bull previously ran a Honda-inspired livery in the 2021 season, but this latest design holds added significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first Formula One triumph.

The significance of the RA272-inspired livery

Honda’s first Formula One win in 1965 was a defining moment in the company’s motorsport history. The RA272, driven by American racer Richie Ginther, showcased Honda’s engineering excellence and signaled their arrival as a competitive force in the sport.

"This season marks the 60th anniversary of Honda's first Formula One victory, and the design concept is a tribute to the RA272, which gave Honda its maiden victory in 1965 at the Mexican GP, with American driver Richie Ginther behind the wheel, sporting the number 11," Red Bull stated.

For Honda, the tribute serves as recognition of their contributions to Red Bull’s success in the turbo-hybrid era. Since rejoining Formula One as an engine supplier in 2015, Honda has played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s four consecutive championship-winning seasons from 2021 to 2024.

Yuki Tsunoda’s home race debut with Red Bull

Beyond the special livery, the Japanese Grand Prix will also mark an important milestone for Yuki Tsunoda, who will make his first race appearance with Red Bull at Suzuka. The Japanese driver recently completed a swap with New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, who has now been placed at Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull is a significant moment for Honda and Japanese motorsport fans, as he becomes the first Japanese driver to race for the team at Suzuka. His home race debut, combined with the Honda tribute livery, is expected to generate immense excitement among local fans.

As Red Bull prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix, the team’s tribute to Honda highlights not only their successful partnership but also the deep connection between the brand and Formula One. With Tsunoda joining the team for this special occasion, Suzuka will be an emotional and historic race for both Red Bull and Honda.