Written by Gen Flauta, Edited by Simran Kanthi
Formula One is finally returning to Suzuka after its two-year absence on the legendary circuit. All sights are on Max Verstappen, who is set to clinch his championship title for the second time. However, the bigger news was that Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Red Bull Racing have strengthened their partnership from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.
The Honda logo, alongside the HRC logo, will return on both Red Bull RB18 and AlphaTauri AT03 cars for the first time since its last appearance at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. And it will continue until the end of the 2022 season.
In addition to this partnership, Sergio Perez will become an ambassador of the driving academy of Honda Racing School (HRS). And last but not least, both Red Bull and AlphaTauri drivers will be present at the upcoming 'Honda Thanks Day' event held on 27 November 2022 at the Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi).
Dr. Helmut Marko, Advisor to Red Bull Racing, said, “Oracle Red Bull Racing and Honda Racing Corporation have achieved great success in Formula One together." He believes that "with these new agreements, we are proud to continue going from strength to strength with the technical support from HRC until the next generation of engines is introduced in 2026. We are confident this relationship with HRC will set us up for more success in the future and thank them for their ongoing support.”
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing commented that “the HRC logo on the nose and Honda logo on the side of the race machines of both teams represent the strong ties between Honda and Red Bull Group. Through the technical support provided by HRC, Honda will fully support the challenges those machines take on to become the 'fastest in the world.'”
He was “very pleased that these machines will be unveiled at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, where Honda serves as the title sponsor. Please root for the two Red Bull Group teams which compete with power units loaded with Honda technologies.”