Red Bull Racing has unveiled a striking new white and red livery for the Japanese Grand Prix, paying tribute to their long-standing partnership with Honda in its final year. Dubbed the "White Bull," this special design will adorn the RB21 as the team celebrates Honda's legacy in Formula 1 and their shared triumphs over the years.
The livery is inspired by Honda's RA272, a car that gave the manufacturer its first-ever victory in Formula 1 back in 1965. It features a clean white base with red accents that evoke the Japanese flag motif, including the iconic "H" logo on the nose and a simple Honda logo on the rear bodywork. Additionally, a special emblem commemorating Honda's 60th anniversary of its debut victory will be displayed on both Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars throughout the weekend.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing's CEO and Team Principal, expressed his admiration for Honda’s contributions to the team’s success. “Our relationship with Honda deserves celebration—it has been one of continued success and brought us some of the most triumphant periods in our history,” he said. Under Honda's power units, Max Verstappen secured four Drivers’ Championships, while Red Bull claimed two Constructors’ titles. Horner emphasized that this livery is a fitting tribute to their shared achievements and an enjoyable partnership.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), also reflected on the significance of this tribute. “It is quite moving to see the RA272-inspired livery on Red Bull’s latest machine in our final year together. Our successful path will continue to shine in F1 history,” he remarked.
The Japanese Grand Prix holds extra significance this year as Yuki Tsunoda makes his debut for Red Bull Racing in front of his home crowd. Tsunoda was promoted to replace Liam Lawson after a challenging start to the season for the rookie driver. Fans are eagerly anticipating Tsunoda-mania at Suzuka, where his presence is expected to electrify an already passionate audience.
Ahead of the race weekend, Red Bull Racing will host a show run through Tokyo’s streets featuring Verstappen, Tsunoda, Lawson, and Isack Hadjar driving iconic cars such as Honda’s RA272 and Red Bull’s championship-winning RB16B and RB7 models. This event further underscores Red Bull’s commitment to honoring their partnership with Honda while celebrating Japanese motorsport culture.
The "White Bull" livery has already garnered widespread acclaim from fans online, with many calling it one of Red Bull’s most stunning designs ever. Some have even compared it favorably to their previous white livery used at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. The tribute not only highlights Honda's historic achievements but also serves as a reminder of their pivotal role in Red Bull Racing's dominance over recent years.
As Honda prepares to transition into its next chapter as Aston Martin’s engine partner in 2026, Red Bull is set to embark on its own journey by developing F1 engines in collaboration with Ford. However, this weekend at Suzuka promises to be a heartfelt farewell for one of Formula 1’s most successful partnerships. With unpredictable weather conditions often playing a role at Suzuka, fans can expect an exciting race that combines nostalgia, celebration, and fierce competition.
As Red Bull Racing takes to the track this weekend, all eyes will be on Suzuka to witness this historic tribute come alive under Japan’s skies.
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