F1 team reveals sakura themed livery for Japanese Grand Prix
In anticipation of the Japanese Grand Prix taking place this weekend at the Suzuka International Racing Course, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team has revealed a special livery for its VF-25 race cars.
This unveiling is the first instance of a unique livery since the American team announced a technical partnership with the Japanese automotive giant Toyota and their Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) division.
The multi-year technical alliance between the Haas F1 Team and Toyota marks Toyota’s return to Formula 1 involvement for the first time since the company withdrew its factory team and engine program at the conclusion of the 2009 season.
While Toyota’s current partnership with Haas does not involve engine supply – Haas continues to utilize power units from Ferrari under a contract extension valid until the end of 2028 – it entails a collaborative effort where TGR provides design, technical, and manufacturing services to Haas.
The special sakura themed livery adopted by Haas for the Japanese Grand Prix pays homage to Japan’s cherry blossom season.
The timing is particularly relevant, as the Japanese Grand Prix was moved to a spring date in the 2024 season which aligns it with the traditional blooming period of cherry blossoms.
The “sakura” motif will be prominently featured across the VF-25 cars driven by Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman throughout the race weekend, extending to the team’s digital assets as well.
The livery incorporates a significant amount of pink, the color strongly associated with cherry blossoms, overlaying the team’s traditional 2025 design.
The strengthening ties between Haas and Japan are further highlighted by the appointment of Tokyo-born Ayao Komatsu as the team principal at the beginning of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Komatsu’s leadership has coincided with the burgeoning technical relationship with Toyota, making the Japanese Grand Prix a de facto “home race” for both the team principal and the newly established partnership.
Haas will not be the only team sporting a special livery at Suzuka.
Red Bull Racing are also anticipated to run a unique white livery as a tribute to their engine suppliers, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), and images appearing to confirm this have been leaked on social media.
This gesture echoes a similar livery used by Red Bull in the past to acknowledge their partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, has revealed a special helmet design for the Suzuka race which incorporates a floral effect at the rear.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Red Bull camp, the Japanese Grand Prix will mark the debut race for Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda as Verstappen’s teammate.
Red Bull Racing announced earlier in the week that Tsunoda, from Sagamihara in Kanagawa Prefecture, would be replacing Liam Lawson in the senior team.
Tsunoda’s promotion comes after more than four full seasons with Red Bull’s junior team, now known as Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso), which he joined at the start of 2021
Tsunoda’s progression to the senior Red Bull team is notable, and there have been suggestions that Honda, who have supported Tsunoda throughout his racing career, may have played a role in Red Bull’s decision.
The Japanese Grand Prix will therefore be a significant event for Tsunoda, marking his first race with the championship-winning team on his home soil, with his car also likely featuring the colors of the Japanese flag as part of Red Bull’s tribute to Honda.
Source: Planet F1
Images: © Moneygram Haas F1 Team, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen