Red Bull is set to revive its iconic white livery at this weekend’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix as a tribute to outgoing engine partner Honda.
2025 marks Red Bull’s final year with Honda engine power, a partnership that began in 2019 and has since gone on to produce four Drivers’ titles, two Constructors’ titles and over 60 Grands Prix victories.
The white themed livery, while making the RB21 similar in appearance to the Racing Bulls VCARB 02, is more of a nod back to the ‘White Bull’ livery Red Bull ran at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.
That resplendent white look was also a Honda tribute, but Covid restrictions prevented a 2021 Japanese GP from taking place.
2021 was Honda’s last official year as Red Bull works engine partner, and the Japanese marque has merely offered technical support and constructing power units in the years since.
Why is Red Bull going white with Honda tribute livery?
White is a significant colour to the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), with the Japanese marque historically running ‘Championship White’ liveried machines for decades.
Red Bull’s design marks the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first F1 race winner, the RA272, which won the 1965 Mexico GP.
Running the tribute at Suzuka is doubly significant as Honda owns the circuit that hosts its home GP.
It’s also the home GP for Yuki Tsunoda, who makes his Red Bull debut this weekend, much to the delight of Honda.
“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 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.”
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), said “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.”
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