The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix doesn’t just bring fans of the sport a couple of beautiful liveries from the likes of Haas and Red Bull, but the Suzuka Circuit has once again inspired drivers to release special helmets ahead of the race, celebrating the beautiful country.
With the Grand Prix taking place on 6 April, it’s fair to say that Japan holds a special place in the hearts of not only fans of the sport, but the drivers and teams as well.
Yuki Tsunoda: Home hero
Stepping into Red Bull in front of his home crowd, Tsunoda has revealed a new helmet to celebrate this substantial milestone in his career.
It features a base white background with red streaks circling a tinted visor. It’s supposed to reflect the Kumadori make-up worn by actors in classical Japanese theatre.
Max Verstappen: A Honda handover
Four-time champion Max Verstappen will wave goodbye to Honda at Red Bull following the 2025 season as the manufacturer moves to Aston Martin for 2026. With this being the brand’s last home race with the Milton Keynes team ahead of the move, Verstappen has celebrated his team’s connection to the country with a new helmet.
Featuring the driver’s famous lion hallmark, it also shows off delicate floral elements that Japan is so well known for at the base of the neck. Its red and white colour scheme mirrors the Japanese flag.
Charles Leclerc: 150 Grand Prix starts
Suzuka makes 150 Grand Prix starts for the Monegasque. To celebrate this, Ferrari has created a special helmet design, once again reflecting the white and red colours of the Japanese flag. The crown of the helmet boasts “150 Grand Prix.”
Lando Norris: Suzuka driftin’
Know for his bright helmet designs over the years, Norris’ Japanese helmet design sees much less colour compared to his usual taste, with it boasting a mostly greyscale design. Reminiscent of the Japanese manga style – I’m thinking Initial D – it features a Liberty Walk car on the side of the helmet accelerating out of a cloud of tyre smoke. The Japanese text in red down the side of the helmet translates to, “to be remembered.”
Pierre Gasly: a super Formula
Pierre Gasly’s helmet celebrates his history in Japan, including his time in Super Formula before he joined F1. Once again, it features a red and white colour combination, the famous pink cherry blossoms, and at the back of the helmet, a Daruma doll. Written at the back of the helmet it says, “thank you, Japan.”
The Grand Prix begins on Sunday, 11:30am local time.
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