Max drives the RB16B through the streets of Tokyo: 'Brings back great memories'

Published on 02 April 2025 by Stefan Meens

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Max Verstappen completed a show run in the streets of Tokyo. The Dutchman was joined by Oracle Red Bull Racing team mate Yuki Tsunoda and the two Visa Cash App Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.

“We are here in Tokyo for a show run, with Red Bull and Honda organizing it together”, explains Max. “It’s really cool to see all the fans around the course and being able to drive the RB16B brings back great memories.”

The RB16B holds a dear place in Max’s heart, as it is the car he secured his first title with, back in 2021. “It was also a really fun and great car to drive, so to jump in again was really nice. I hope the fans enjoyed it. The Japanese fans are always very passionate about Formula 1 and the racing drivers. To see so many fans is really nice.”

Together with Honda, Max and Red Bull have achieved incredible successes. To say the least, it is a special relationship the team and driver have with the Japanese company. “To the team it means a lot, but for me personally, winning four world championships together with Honda, is just amazing. They have always been very respectful and nice to work with and hopefully we can have a great farewell weekend, in our final year together. I think this weekend started in a very positive and nice way.”

In a few days time, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka awaits. “It is going to be a bit of an unknown how competitive we will be”, explains Max. “Also the weather: it seems there might be some rain on Sunday and the wind is changing a lot from Friday to Saturday and Sunday. On a track like Suzuka, with so many high-speed corners, that can have quite a bit of influence on the car. I guess we will just have to wait and see.”

Order a scale model of the white RB21 and/or Max's Japanese helmet here: https://www.verstappen.com/collections/japan-collection