Red Bull has demoted its livery for the Japanese Grand Prix

After a disappointing start to the season, Red Bull has demoted its livery after only two races. Hang on, we might be getting confused with other recent events…

Jokes. No, this is Red Bull’s one-off livery for the Japanese Grand Prix: it’s a celebration of engine partner Honda, which this year is celebrating 60 years since it took its first F1 win.

That came in the shape of the RA272, piloted to the chequered flag by Richie Ginther at the Mexican Grand Prix in 1965. That car was decked in white and red, ergo the RB21 has been decorated in matching colours in tribute to Honda’s historic works car.

And to cap it all off, the RA272 will be taking to the streets of Tokyo on Wednesday evening, flanked by a pair of RB7s and Max Verstappen’s title-winning RB16.

All the Red Bull drivers – Max, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar – will be in attendance. That definitely won’t get awkward at any stage.

Those of you with sharp memories will know this isn’t the first time that Red Bull has donned Honda white: do you recall the Turkish GP special from 2021? And this won’t be the only special livery on the grid in Japan this weekend either, with Haas taking inspiration from the cherry blossom surrounding Suzuka.

Anyway… if Tsunoda somehow pulls off a podium at his home grand prix, surely that’s cause to stick with the livery until further notice? Or at least until the next unexpected Q1 exit.