Honda Makes Brief F1 Return With Surprise Japanese GP Announcement

The 2022 season of Formula 1 has already seen a new venue and will also witness the return of some classic ones. Among these classic venues is Japan. The Japanese GP has a long history, and it’s been the scene of many decisive races. Honda, who owns the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, will once again sponsor the Grand Prix.

The 2019 season was the last time Formula 1 cars raced in the country. Moreover, Japan has been one of the most awaited races in the past because it hosted title-deciding races. A total of 13 drivers have been crowned the World Champion after the race in the country.

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Japan has and still might continue to be one of the most important race circuits in regard to determining who is going to win the championship. Meanwhile, Honda, one of the country’s best car manufacturers, has officially withdrawn from Formula 1 as a power unit supplier. However, they continue to make power units (branded as RBPT) for Red Bull and AlphaTauri and will sponsor the Japanese GP this year.

Honda is the official sponsor for the Japanese GP

Honda’s involvement in Formula 1 began with the 1964 season and they have been in and out of the sport since then. Their recent return was with McLaren in 2015, but the results were unsuccessful during that period. However, Red Bull took a leap of faith with the Japanese manufacturers in 2018, and it paid dividends.

Max Verstappen became the first driver since Ayrton Senna to win a championship with a Honda-powered engine. However, in 2020, the company announced that they will withdraw from the sport. During the 2021 Turkish GP, the Bulls marked Honda’s departure with a Honda-themed white livery.

Now, they are back in business to sponsor the Japanese GP scheduled to be held in October. Honda communications operating executive Koji Watanabe said, “It is great pleasure for Honda to be named as the title sponsor of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix to be held at the Suzuka Circuit which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.”

By contributing to this outstanding Grand Prix, Honda will continue supporting the further promotion and popularization of motorsports in Japan.”

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The Japanese GP is certainly one of the iconic venues in Formula 1. So, there will be excitement among the F1 fans in early October. The Suzuka track opened for Formula 1 in 1987 and since then has produced some classic races over the years. And we will hope it can deliver again.