Red Bull Unleashes Tribute Livery at Japanese GP: A Nod to Honda's Legacy
As the engines roar and the spectators cheer, the Red Bull Racing team is ready to steal the show at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix with a stunning new livery — one that pays homage to their long-time partner, Honda. The RB21 will don a brilliant white facade inspired by the iconic Honda RA272 that ushered in Honda's maiden F1 victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.
In a twist that should make any gearhead swoon, this special livery features elements reminiscent of Japan's national flag. However, Red Bull's shade of white is artfully tweaked, all in the name of reducing weight on their screaming machine. The familiar bulls on the engine cover will gleam in metallic red, while the nose flaunts a red sun, symbolizing the Land of the Rising Sun — a little poetic flair that F1 fans can appreciate.
The nostalgic touch doesn’t stop there. The car's Honda logos have been updated to reflect versions from the 1960s, a delightful nod to the storied past. And if you’re a sucker for history, you’ll love the memorial logo that celebrates the 60th anniversary of Ginther's historic win.
Fans will remember a similar tribute during the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, when Red Bull's cars also took on a white theme, back when the pandemic-induced cancellation of the 2021 Japanese GP left a bitter taste. This year, however, the mood is different, as Yuki Tsunoda takes the wheel for his debut race with Red Bull on home soil. "To be honest, I never expected to be racing for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix," Tsunoda exclaimed, feeling the weight of fate resting on his shoulders.
The young driver replaces Liam Lawson amidst great expectations and aims for nothing less than a podium finish, declaring optimistically, "If I can naturally enjoy driving it as I get familiar with it in FP1, then the results will follow." Let’s just hope the only podium he sees isn’t reserved for just drinks and takeout after the race!
As Red Bull readies its tribute to Honda, one thing is clear: the stakes are high and the atmosphere is electric. Buckle up, folks! This year's Japanese GP promises to be a sensational showdown.