Honda Commemorates 60 Years In Formula One With Historic RA272 Showcase

Published: Friday, August 2, 2024, 22:06 [IST]

Honda heritage test driver Hikaru Miyagi will drive Honda's first race-winning F1 car at the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This event marks 60 years since Honda's first F1 entry at the 1964 German Grand Prix. The historic V12-powered Honda RA272, which won the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix, was the first Japanese car to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Honda is celebrating six decades of its Formula One journey this summer. The Honda RA272, their first race-winning F1 machine, will be showcased at global events, including the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from August 14-17. This iconic car will perform exhibition laps with Hikaru Miyagi driving.

The Honda RA272 made history in November 1965 by becoming the first Japanese race car to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Powered by a transverse-mounted 1.5-liter V12 engine capable of reaching 13,000 rpm, it demonstrated Honda's world-class engineering. Recently, it ran at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024, driven by Miyagi and current F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda.

Soichiro Honda, a former racer himself, believed competition was essential for improving his company and its products. Racing is deeply embedded in Honda's corporate culture, more so than any other automaker. Over the years, Honda has competed and triumphed at the highest levels of motorsport globally on both two and four wheels.

Throughout its history, Honda engines have powered eight Formula One Drivers' Championships. Notably, they achieved three consecutive championships from 2021 to 2023. In addition to these successes, Honda engines set records for most race wins in a season twice. The latest record was set in 2023 when Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez won all but one race.

The mid-engine Honda RA272 secured victory at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix with Richie Ginther driving. This win came just a year after Honda's debut at the German Grand Prix in August 1964 with the V12-powered RA271. These achievements underscore Honda's commitment to excellence in motorsport.

Future Endeavours

In 2026, Honda will begin a new chapter by supplying power units to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team under a works partnership. These new power units will comply with the 2026 F1 regulations that triple electrical power from hybrid systems. This collaboration aims to refine e-motor and battery technologies for mass production through F1 challenges.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., established in Los Angeles in 1959 and now headquartered in Torrance, California, leads U.S. sales and marketing for Honda and Acura automobiles and other products. Their operations include design, planning, and market research for products made in North America.

Honda Racing Corporation USA

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), founded as Honda Performance Development (HPD) in 1993, supports high-performance racing programs across North America. In January 2024, HPD became HRC US to enhance overall motorsports capabilities by combining with HRC Japan.

HRC US specializes in designing and developing powertrain components, chassis electronics, and performance parts while providing technical support for racing teams. They offer parts and support for both amateur and professional racers across various racing styles from karting to top-tier professional racing.

The company's involvement extends to INDYCAR and IMSA sports cars as well as commercial racing programs. HRC US will also play a significant role in developing Formula One power units starting from the next phase of Honda’s journey in 2026.

This celebration of six decades of racing excellence highlights Honda's enduring commitment to innovation and competition within motorsport.