Red Bull’s entry on the Formula 1 grid will look a lot different than we’re used to at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The team is celebrating its partnership with Honda by unveiling a white and red livery that draws inspiration from the 1.5-liter V-12-powered RA272 that competed in the 1965 season of Formula 1.
“This livery is a tribute to Honda’s success in the sport and the final year of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable partnership,” Christian Horner, the Red Bull team’s CEO and team principal, said in a statement.
Designed exclusively for the Japanese Grand Prix, the new livery features white paint and contrasting red accents. “Red Bull” is written in big red letters across the front splitter, and the bull-shaped logo appears on several panels. The car’s number is displayed within a red circle, a finishing touch that echoes the RA272’s representation of its Japanese origins.
Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull
Look closely, and you’ll spot a few more subtle details added to link the RB21 to the RA272. There’s a red “H” logo near the tip of the nose, for example, and an old-school-looking “HONDA” logo on the back part of the body. On a secondary level, the RA272 looks almost comically small parked next to the RB21.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen will drive one of the cars wearing the one-off livery. Red Bull has put the second car in the hands of Japanese pilot Yuki Tsunoda, who will make his debut with the team during the race. He’s replacing Liam Lawson, and he’ll be the only Japanese driver on the grid. It’s a momentous occasion for the 24-year-old: All the Red Bull driver drama aside, he’s starting out on his home track in a commemorative car.
The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will take place on April 5, 2025, on the 3.6-mile-long Suzuka Circuit.
As for what’s next, Honda and Red Bull will part ways after the 2025 season. Honda will provide engines to the Aston Martin team starting in 2026, while Ford will become Red Bull’s technical partner next year.
AloJapan.com