Red Bull is set to turn heads at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix this weekend with a jaw-dropping special-edition car, dubbed the “Beast” by fans. The Milton Keynes-based team has rolled out a striking new livery to celebrate their triumphant partnership with Honda, just as the duo nears the end of an era. With the Suzuka circuit hosting the third round of the F1 season, this vibrant tribute underscores Red Bull’s dominance and Honda’s pivotal role in their success. Here’s everything you need to know about this dazzling reveal and what it means for the grid.
A Nod to Honda’s Legacy
The Japanese GP at Suzuka isn’t just another race—it’s Honda’s home turf, making it the perfect stage for Red Bull’s bold gesture. The team unveiled a dazzling white livery inspired by Honda’s iconic RA272, the car that clinched the manufacturer’s first F1 victory in 1965. This isn’t just a paint job; it’s a heartfelt salute to a collaboration that’s powered Red Bull to glory. Although Honda officially exited F1 as a full manufacturer in 2021, their technical alliance with Red Bull has remained rock-solid—until now. With Honda set to join forces with Aston Martin in 2026 under new regulations, this weekend marks a bittersweet farewell.
Team principal Christian Horner didn’t mince words about the partnership’s impact. “Our relationship with Honda deserves to be celebrated—it’s been a continuously successful alliance that’s delivered one of the most victorious and dominant periods in our history,” he said. Under Honda’s engines, Max Verstappen claimed four world titles, while Red Bull secured two constructors’ championships. Their reliability shone brightest in 2023, delivering F1’s most successful season ever. “This livery honors Honda’s legacy in the sport and our final year together. I can’t wait to see it tear up the track,” Horner added.
The ‘Beast’ Hits Suzuka
Red Bull’s Japan GP car isn’t just a looker—it’s a symbol of their technical prowess. The white design, accented with sleek details, mirrors the RA272’s classic aesthetic while screaming modern speed. It’s a fitting tribute as Red Bull and Honda bid adieu before the 2026 shake-up. Fans on social media are already losing it, with one dubbing it “the Beast of Suzuka” and another predicting it’ll “steal the show.” Set to debut this weekend, the car promises to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge performance on one of F1’s most iconic circuits.
Tsunoda’s Big Moment
Adding to the weekend’s buzz, Yuki Tsunoda makes his Red Bull debut at Suzuka, replacing Liam Lawson. The Japanese driver’s homecoming couldn’t be more poetic—racing in front of his countrymen in a car honoring Honda’s legacy. Tsunoda’s arrival signals Red Bull’s faith in his talent, and all eyes will be on him as he pilots the special-edition machine. Can he deliver a standout performance to kick off his tenure? The stakes—and the spotlight—have never been higher.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a cosmetic flex; it’s a testament to Red Bull and Honda’s golden era. Since teaming up, they’ve racked up titles, shattered records, and redefined F1 excellence. The 2023 season, with its near-perfect run, owes much to Honda’s bulletproof engines. As Horner noted, this livery is “a celebration of that success and a nod to Honda’s pioneering spirit.” With 2025 as their swan song, Red Bull is pulling out all the stops to make it memorable—starting at Suzuka.
What’s Next?
The Japanese GP kicks off a pivotal stretch in the 2025 season, and Red Bull’s special livery sets the tone. Verstappen, fresh off four championships, will aim to dominate in a car that’s as much a tribute as it is a weapon. But with Honda’s exit looming and rivals like Aston Martin gearing up for 2026, this weekend doubles as a farewell and a statement: Red Bull’s reign isn’t over yet. Will the “Beast” roar to victory at Suzuka? Tune in to find out—this is one F1 showdown you won’t want to miss.