Red Bull turns white for Japanese Grand Prix

Celebrates 60 years of Honda’s first F1 win

Red Bull has chosen a white livery for the upcoming Grand Prix in Japan for its RB21s, honouring its partnership with Honda.

The look is inspired by Honda's RA272, 60 years after the car secured the first victory for the Japanese brand in Formula 1. The RA272's Japanese flag motif has been recreated, along with the "H" logo on the nose and the simple Honda logo on the rear of the bodywork. A special logo celebrating 60 years since Honda's first F1 victory will be seen on all four Red Bull cars on the grid.

This isn’t the first time Red Bull has honoured Honda with a white livery, having previously done so at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.

The Honda RA272 alongside the RB21

Christian Horner, CEO and Team Principal, said: "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. 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."

Suits to match

Along with the new white livery, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and new teammate Yuki Tsunoda will wear matching white race suits. Complimented by hints of red for an authentic Japanese flavour, both drivers will be hoping the new look will be symbolic of a new beginning for Red Bull, after a shaky start to the season.

While Verstappen has been able to earn respectable P2 and P4 finishes in his first two races, the car in general has underperformed this season compared to the likes of McLaren and Mercedes. This was evident in the struggles of Liam Lawson, who has since been demoted to Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda will be hoping to hit the ground running at Red Bull after five seasons waiting in the wings at Racing Bulls and has the perfect opportunity to do so at his home grand prix.

Red Bull to take over Tokyo

Before the action kicks off at the Suzuka Circuit, Red Bull will celebrate Japanese car culture by attending a REBL Car Culture Meet on Tuesday evening.

Tokyo’s car community will congregate at the event, where an iconic '90s Honda NSX wrapped in a matching livery to the RB21 will be displayed alongside a Red Bull show car for the livery’s public debut.

The following day, there will be a Red Bull Showrun through the streets of Tokyo featuring Verstappen and Tsunoda, along with Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar. The drivers will get behind the wheel of a Honda RA272, RB16B (Verstappen’s first title winning car) and two RB7s from the team’s Heritage collection.

The Japanese Grand Prix begins on Sunday 6 April at 6 AM British time.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool