Max Verstappen has hinted at an exciting change in Red Bull’s appearance, revealing a new helmet design for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This revelation comes as fans eagerly await the unveiling of Red Bull’s special tribute to Honda.
PlanetF1.com has shared that Red Bull is set to compete with a distinctive white livery for the Japanese GP, marking the end of their successful collaboration with Honda. This partnership has been pivotal in powering Verstappen to multiple championship victories, including four consecutive Drivers’ World Championships and a Constructors’ title in 2022/23. As Honda prepares to team up with Aston Martin in F1 2026, Red Bull plans to transition to a new engine project with Ford.
The ‘white bull’ colors first made their appearance during the 2021 season when Red Bull’s cars adopted a white and red theme at the Turkish Grand Prix. This was in honor of the Japanese flag after the original Japanese GP was canceled due to the pandemic. Verstappen, instrumental in Red Bull’s achievements, added his own flair with a unique helmet for the Suzuka race, featuring a white base, red trim, and a floral touch at the back.
The Japanese GP will also see a shift in the driver lineup. Red Bull announced that Yuki Tsunoda from Kanagawa will replace Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate. Tsunoda, backed significantly by Honda, has been promoted after four seasons with the Racing Bulls. This decision, according to advisor Helmut Marko, wasn’t heavily influenced by Honda, despite the timing aligning with the Japanese GP. Tsunoda becomes Verstappen’s third teammate in four races, following Sergio Perez’s departure.
Adding to the anticipation, Verstappen’s new helmet design coincides with the upcoming weekend’s race. His impressive record at Suzuka, winning each year since 2022, adds to the excitement. Verstappen shared sneak peeks of his helmet on social media, further building up the event’s buzz.
As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches, fans have much to look forward to with both the new livery and Tsunoda’s debut as Verstappen’s teammate. This race marks the end of an era with Honda, setting the stage for future developments in the racing world.
