Yuki Tsunoda to drive Honda's first F1-winning car at the Mexican GP as part of 60-year celebration

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is set to get behind the wheel of Honda's first Formula 1-winning car, the Honda RA272, during the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix weekend to mark the 60th anniversary of the Japanese marque's first victory in the championship.

“It is an honour to drive the RA272 at the special place where Honda achieved its first F1 victory," the Red Bull F1 driver explained. "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.”

President of Honda Racing Corporation Koji Watanabe added: “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, 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 secured its first F1 grand prix victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix with American driver Richie Ginther behind the wheel of the RA272, which was also his first and only win in the series. Ginther, who had started the race in third, was joined on the podium by fellow American driver Dan Gurney and British driver Mike Spence.

Tsunoda, who has been backed by Honda since 2016, previously drove the car during the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images

“Before the start of the hill-climb, I was advised to be considerate and gentle with the car, so I drove a little too carefully so as not to stall it when taking off," the 25-year-old said at the time. "After that, I drove slowly, gentle on the accelerator, and the engine revved up nicely and I was able to finish the drive with a really good feeling.

"I revved the engine up to 9,500 rpm or 10,000 rpm, and the pleasant vibration seemed to sink into my bones. The directness of the car and the sense of being as one are things that cannot be experienced in modern cars, and I really enjoyed it, but it was only the first run, so I can’t say that I enjoyed it to the fullest. I am looking forward to the second run.”