Max Verstappen is revving up for a visually striking tribute at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, revealing a bold new helmet design as Red Bull prepares to roll out a nostalgic livery for Honda’s farewell race. The reigning world champion, who has clinched four titles with Honda-powered machinery, will sport a white-and-red headpiece at Suzuka—a symbolic nod to the Japanese flag and the engine supplier’s final appearance with the team.
Red Bull’s decision to revive their iconic "white bull" color scheme adds emotional weight to a weekend already brimming with milestones, as the partnership that redefined F1 dominance nears its end.
Red Bull’s Swan Song for Honda
Red Bull’s Suzuka garage will shimmer in white and crimson this weekend, echoing the hues of Japan’s national flag as the team honors Honda’s legacy. The special livery, last seen at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix during the pandemic, marks a full-circle moment for a collaboration that propelled Max Verstappen to 58 of his 63 career wins. But the Dutchman’s personal touch—a floral-accented helmet blending white dominance with red flourishes—steals the spotlight, merging artistry with motorsport heritage.
The Japanese GP isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a pivot point. Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner since 2019, will shift its focus to Aston Martin in 2026, leaving the Milton Keynes squad to navigate a new era with Ford-developed powertrains. Max Verstappen’s dominance at Suzuka, where he’s triumphed every year since 2022, underscores the synergy he’s forged with Honda’s engineering. “This partnership has been electric,” said a team insider. “Max’s success here is Honda’s swan song.”
Adding intrigue to the weekend is Yuki Tsunoda’s shock promotion to Red Bull’s senior team. The Japanese driver, a Honda protege since his junior racing days, replaces Liam Lawson after a rocky start to the season. While rumors swirl about Honda’s influence in the decision, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko downplayed the connection: “Honda’s happiness with the move is obvious, but it wasn’t decisive. Their involvement ends this year anyway.”
Tsunoda’s rise injects fresh energy into Red Bull’s lineup. The 24-year-old, who hails from Kanagawa, now faces the ultimate test: partnering F1’s most dominant force at Honda’s home race. For Max Verstappen, the weekend is a balancing act—celebrating past glory while eyeing a future without the roar of Honda engines.
As the grid braces for Suzuka’s high-speed sweeps, one thing’s clear: Red Bull’s tribute is more than paint-deep. It’s a heartfelt goodbye to an era defined by speed, innovation, and a driver-engine alliance that rewrote F1 history.