As Honda marks the 60th anniversary of its first entry into Formula 1 at the 1964 German Grand Prix, the celebration is punctuated by the return of their historic race-winning car, the Honda RA272.
This legendary machine will take center stage at the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from August 14-17. The event will feature Honda heritage test driver Hikaru Miyagi behind the wheel, performing exhibition laps that echo the car’s groundbreaking victory in the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix.
Honda’s journey in Formula 1 is a testament to its relentless pursuit of engineering excellence and innovation. The RA272, powered by a transverse-mounted 1.5-liter V12 engine, became the first race car from a Japanese automaker to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix. This historic victory in 1965 not only showcased Honda’s technological prowess but also marked the beginning of a legacy that would see Honda engines power numerous champions and set multiple records in the sport.
Throughout its storied history in Formula 1, Honda has celebrated numerous milestones. As an engine manufacturer, Honda has powered four drivers to a combined eight Formula One Drivers’ Championships. Notably, Honda engines have twice set F1 records for the most race wins in a season. The 1988 season saw Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost dominate with McLaren Honda, a record that was surpassed in 2023 when Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez won all but one race with Honda power units.
This celebration at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion is more than just a nod to the past; it is a continuation of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit.” Soichiro Honda, the company’s founder, believed in the power of competition to drive innovation and improvement.
This ethos has seen Honda compete and win at the highest levels of motorsports across the globe, on both two wheels and four.
Looking to the future, Honda is set to embark on a new chapter in 2026, entering into a works partnership to supply power units to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team.
These new power units will adhere to the 2026 F1 regulations, which will triple the electrical power provided by the hybrid system, furthering Honda’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement.
The RA272’s participation in the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, alongside Honda’s future plans, exemplifies the company’s enduring legacy and its unyielding quest for excellence. From its pioneering V12 engine in the 1960s to its cutting-edge hybrid systems of today, Honda continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
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