TOKYO, Japan, September 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - This year, Honda celebrates its 60th anniversary of its first victory in the FIA*1 Formula One World ChampionshipTM (F1(R)). As part of its commemorative activities, during the F1 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX*2 on October 26, Honda will participate in a showrun with the Honda RA272—the car that delivered Honda’s first victory—driven by Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Yuki Tsunoda preparing to drive the RA272 at 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
On October 24, 1965, at the F1 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX, Honda achieved victory in the world’s pinnacle motorsports category for the first time as a Japanese automaker, with driver Richie Ginther at the wheel of the RA272.
The RA272 was Honda’s F1(R) car in its second year as a full constructor*3. Powered by a 1.5-liter V12 engine and carrying the Japanese flag on its white livery, the RA272 became a symbol that marked the beginning of Japan’s motorsport history.
For the showrun, Honda Racing Corporation engineers performed special maintenance on the RA272 housed at the Honda Collection Hall. At the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Honda achieved its first F1(R) victory, Japanese F1(R) driver Tsunoda will drive the RA272 as a representative Honda driver.
Since its founding, Honda has pursued challenges, viewing racing as a place to hone its people and technology. This year, Honda is running a special program reflecting on 60 years of challenges and victories, with a Williams Honda FW11 showrun at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and Monterey Car Week in August, and a Honda RA272 showrun at the MEXICAN GRAND PRIX. As it advances power unit (PU) development for its upcoming F1(R) entry starting in 2026, Honda will continue to hone its people and technology through these challenges, delivering dreams and excitement to motorsports and Honda fans worldwide.
* The F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
*1 FIA: Federation Internationale de l'Automobile
*2 Official name: F1 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX 2025
*3 Full constructor develops and manufactures its own car and engine for F1(R) competition
Comment of Yuki Tsunoda, Oracle Red Bull Racing
“It is an honor to drive the RA272 at the special place where Honda achieved its first F1(R) victory. Driving on the track where the RA272 pioneered Japanese motorsports history 60 years ago is a particularly special and deeply moving experience. With Honda’s history of challenges in my heart, I want to give fans a drive that conveys dreams and passion.”
Comment of Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
“It is a tremendous pleasure that the RA272 will drive again in Mexico, at the same place Honda achieved its first victory, 60 years ago in 1965. Furthermore, having Tsunoda, a driver representing Japan in F1(R), pilot this historic car holds great significance. We believe this will be a precious opportunity to reflect on Honda’s history of challenge while sharing dreams and hopes for the future with our fans.”
Honda’s F1(R) activity highlights
| 1964-1968 |
Competed as constructor (factory team) with an all-Honda package, including engine and chassis |
| 1965 |
Won first victory at the MEXICAN GRAND PRIX |
| 1983-1992 |
Participated as engine supplier |
| 1986 |
Won the Constructors’ Championship (Williams Honda) |
| 1987 |
Won Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships |
| 1988-1991 |
Won Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for four consecutive years(McLaren Honda) |
| 2000-2005 |
Participated as BAR Honda through engine supply and joint chassis development |
| 2006-2008 |
Participated as constructor, with an all-Honda package, including engine and chassis |
| 2015-2017 |
Participated as a power unit supplier
Supplied power units to McLaren Racing
|
| 2018 |
Began supplying power units to Scuderia Toro Rosso |
| 2019 |
Began supplying power units to Red Bull Racing |
| 2021 |
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) won Drivers’ Championship,
Honda ends F1(R) participation at the end of 2021
|
| 2022 |
HRC began technical support for Red Bull Powertrains
Max Verstappen won second consecutive Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull Racing won Constructors’ Championship
|
| 2023 |
Honda announced return to F1(R) starting in 2026
Max Verstappen won third consecutive Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull Racingwon second consecutive Constructors’ Championship
|
| 2024 |
Max Verstappen won fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship |
For more details, please visit: https://global.honda/en/topics/2025/c_2025-09-26eng.html
Topic: Press release summary
Source: Honda Motor Co, Ltd
Sectors: Motorsports
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