In a poignant tribute to its engine partner, Red Bull Racing unveiled a striking one-off livery for the Turkish Grand Prix, commemorating Honda’s significant contribution to Formula 1 as the Japanese manufacturer prepared to conclude its official involvement in the sport at the end of the 2021 season. This special design, adorning the RB16B cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, was a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, originally intended for Honda’s home race at Suzuka but rescheduled to Istanbul Park due due to pandemic-related cancellations.
The livery itself was a magnificent blend of nostalgia and performance, paying homage to the iconic Honda RA272. This legendary car holds a special place in Formula 1 history as the vehicle that secured Honda’s very first Grand Prix victory back in 1965 at the Mexican Grand Prix, driven by Richie Ginther. The choice of the RA272’s classic white and red aesthetic was deliberate, aiming to evoke the pioneering spirit of Honda’s early F1 endeavors and celebrate their enduring legacy in motorsport. Fans and pundits alike admired the elegant simplicity and profound symbolism of the design, which served as a visual testament to the deep partnership forged between Red Bull and Honda over the preceding years.
The decision to shift the tribute from Suzuka to Istanbul was a practical necessity born from the challenges of the global pandemic. While the disappointment of not celebrating on Japanese soil was palpable, the spirit of appreciation remained undimmed. The Istanbul Park circuit, with its challenging layout and rich racing history, provided an equally fitting stage for this emotional farewell. The unique contours of the circuit, particularly its formidable Turn 8, would showcase the special livery under the intense racing conditions, making it a memorable spectacle for millions of viewers worldwide. The Turkish Grand Prix thus became more than just another race; it transformed into a global platform for Red Bull and Honda to express their mutual respect and shared journey.
Red Bull’s sister team, Scuderia AlphaTauri, also joined in the homage, adopting a subtly revised livery featuring the Japanese word “ありがとう” (Arigatou), meaning “thank you,” prominently displayed on the rear wings of their AT02 cars. This collective gesture from both Red Bull-owned teams underscored the profound impact Honda has had across their operations, from providing competitive power units to fostering young talent. The unified display of gratitude across both garages highlighted the cultural bridge built through their collaboration, resonating deeply with Japanese fans and demonstrating the strong bonds that transcended mere commercial agreements.
Honda’s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by several significant stints, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From their inception as a full constructor in the 1960s to their dominant engine supply periods with McLaren in the late 1980s and Williams in the mid-1980s, Honda has consistently demonstrated a relentless pursuit of engineering excellence. Their most recent chapter, partnering with Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, began in 2018 with Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and expanded to Red Bull in 2019. This partnership marked a turning point, transforming Red Bull into a consistent championship contender and finally delivering Max Verstappen a competitive engine capable of challenging for the world title.
The collaboration yielded numerous victories, poles, and podiums, culminating in a fierce championship battle in 2021. Honda’s power units, known for their reliability and performance gains throughout the season, were instrumental in pushing the Red Bull cars to their limits. Engineers from both companies worked hand-in-hand, fostering a relationship built on trust, innovation, and a shared desire for success. This deep integration and shared vision allowed Red Bull to extract the maximum potential from the Honda engines, making their partnership one of the most celebrated and successful in recent F1 history, a true testament to the power of synergy between chassis and engine manufacturers.
Despite Honda’s official withdrawal, their influence on Red Bull’s future in Formula 1 is set to continue in a new and exciting form. Red Bull Racing established its own powertrains division, Red Bull Powertrains, to take over the running of the Honda power units and acquire the intellectual property relating to them. This ambitious undertaking ensures Red Bull’s long-term independence and control over its engine supply, a critical strategic move in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. For the 2022 season, Honda committed to providing essential trackside support to Red Bull Powertrains, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of performance for both Red Bull and AlphaTauri, who would continue to utilize the Honda-derived power units under the Red Bull Powertrains banner.
From 2023 onwards, Red Bull Powertrains assumed full responsibility for manufacturing, developing, and servicing the engines. This transition represents a monumental challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, aiming to become a fully self-sufficient constructor in the mould of Ferrari and Mercedes. The learning curve is steep, but with the foundation laid by Honda’s advanced technology and expertise, Red Bull is well-positioned for future success. This new era signifies a bold step towards securing their competitive edge and shaping their destiny in the sport for years to come, moving from customer team to a power unit manufacturer in their own right.
Beyond the immediate powertrain transition, vital connections to Honda will endure through their highly successful young driver programs. The Red Bull Junior Team and the Honda Formula Dream Project are set to continue their collaborative efforts, focusing on identifying, nurturing, and promoting talented Japanese drivers into the upper echelons of motorsport, including Formula 1. This partnership has already borne fruit, notably bringing Yuki Tsunoda into F1 with AlphaTauri in 2021, showcasing the effectiveness of their combined talent development pipeline. This ongoing commitment ensures that Honda’s legacy in motorsport will extend far beyond engine supply, influencing the careers of future racing stars and maintaining a strong Japanese presence in the sport.
For drivers like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, driving with such a historically significant livery added an extra layer of motivation and emotional weight to the Turkish Grand Prix weekend. It was an opportunity not just to compete, but to honour a partnership that had brought them to the pinnacle of motorsport and provided the tools to fight for championships. The bond between drivers, engineers, and the entire team deepened, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and immense gratitude for Honda’s dedication and relentless pursuit of performance. This special occasion served as a powerful reminder of the human element in Formula 1, where passion, innovation, and teamwork ultimately drive success.
The unveiling of Red Bull’s Honda tribute livery garnered widespread acclaim from fans, media, and fellow teams across the Formula 1 community. Such gestures are rare and speak volumes about the respect and appreciation within the sport. It highlighted the emotional significance of manufacturer involvement and the deep connections forged over intense seasons of competition. As Honda prepares to exit Formula 1 as an official partner, the special livery stands as a powerful symbol of a successful era, a respectful farewell, and the lasting impact of their technological prowess and sporting spirit on Red Bull Racing and the wider world of motorsport.
Pictures and video: Red Bull’s Honda tribute livery in detail
A closer look at the one-off @HondaRacingF1 tribute livery @RedBullRacing will run at this weekend’s #TurkishGP.#F1 pic.twitter.com/nkzEe3uHhu
— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) October 7, 2021
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