Max Verstappen‘s Red Bull car will feature a distinct white livery at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, as he aims to secure his first victory of the season. Although Verstappen, a dominant force in Formula 1, is pursuing his fifth consecutive drivers’ championship title, the season has started challenging for the Dutch racer. So far, McLaren has claimed victories in both Grand Prix events this year, leaving Verstappen without a win.
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen holds the second position in the overall standings and remains hopeful that the unique white design of the Red Bull car, which pays tribute to the team’s engine partner, Honda, will inspire a victory. Joining him on this venture is his new teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who has replaced Liam Lawson and will also compete in a similarly colored car.
The decision to paint the Red Bull cars white is a homage to Honda, marking the last Japanese Grand Prix where they will collaborate, as Red Bull shifts its engine partnership to Ford starting in 2026. Since 2018, Honda has been an integral part of Red Bull’s success, producing engines first for Toro Rosso and later for Red Bull Racing. This collaboration has led to four drivers’ championships and two constructors’ titles, marking a remarkably successful period.
The special livery draws inspiration from Honda’s RA272, a car that marked Honda’s first Grand Prix win in 1965. The design replicates the Japanese flag, featuring the iconic ‘H’ logo prominently on the nose of the vehicles. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal and CEO, expressed his sentiments about the homage: “Our relationship with Honda deserves celebration. It has been one of continued success and brought the team some 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.
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe echoed these sentiments, sharing the emotional impact of this tribute: “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.”
The Japanese Grand Prix takes place at the renowned Suzuka International Racing Course, located near Nagoya. The race is scheduled to begin at 6am UK time on Sunday, April 6, with live coverage available on Sky Sports F1 starting at 4:30am. Viewers can also live stream the event via the Sky Sports app on various devices. Those preferring a more spontaneous viewing option can purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass from NowTV, or catch highlights on Channel Four later in the evening.
For radio listeners, Piers Prior will provide live updates on the Japanese Grand Prix through talkSPORT. Fans can access the live stream via the talkSPORT website, the talkSPORT app, or through digital radio and AM frequencies.
As the race weekend approaches, all eyes are on Verstappen, whose pursuit of victory is underscored by this poignant tribute to Honda. This race not only celebrates past achievements but also signals a new chapter as both Red Bull and Honda journey into different paths in the near future.
