The Haas F1 team has revealed a beautiful new livery for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, celebrating the iconic cherry blossom of the country. The pink livery, which lays over over the traditional 2025 livery of the American team, celebrates the connection that’s growing between Haas and Japan.
The team has transformed its VF-25 car with a cherry blossom-inspired livery, “paying homage” to the natural beauty of the Sakura. This will feature across both cars over the weekend. Incorporating vibrant pinks across the usually red, white, and black livery, the car is going to pop against the dark tarmac of the Suzuka circuit.
There’s more to this change than just aesthetics. A strong relationship between the team and the country has formed over the past year, after a multi-year technical partnership with Toyota was confirmed in October 2024, seeing the manufacturer return to the sport for the first time since 2009.
This will see Toyota Gazoo Racing working with Haas on design, technical, and manufacturing services, something that will help the team build their capabilities under new leadership from team principal Ayao Komatsu. Komatsu, born in Japan, is proving to be a powerful promotion from team owner Gene Haas, who relieved Guenther Steiner of his duties last year.
Since this change in management, the team has welcomed two new drivers in the form of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. And with this reinvigoration, the team sits sixth in the constructors’ standings.
For these reasons, the Japanese Grand Prix can be seen as a home race for the team, despite its American ownership.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – MARCH 22: Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas F1 on the grid with Haas F1 team members prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 22, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images)
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Bearman commented on the upcoming race:
“I’m really excited to race in Japan. The track looks fantastic and our partnership with Toyota GAZOO Racing it’s going to be a great event for the whole team. I was lucky enough to drive the Super Formula car around Suzuka, and that track comes alive. It was great experience and the fans were fantastic.
“To have all that support – at just a test – was amazing so I can’t wait to see everyone again. the track looks like a highlight, I’m really looking forward to this one.”
Ocon is looking forward to seeing the Japanese fans dress up for the sport, with some sporting impressive DRS headgear over the past few years.
“Personally, I’m so happy to be back and race in Japan again this weekend. The fans here are incredible, always so passionate and knowledgeable about our sport. I’ve seen some very creative outfits over the years, and the people are always so kind with gifts and their support in general.
“In terms of the track itself, and I say this often, Suzuka is for me the best circuit on the calendar. There’s so much to like about this circuit, particularly the first sector, which is incredibly fast and flowing. You have to be really committed and precise in your driving, in qualifying especially, and that’s what makes it extra special and rewarding when you put in a good lap.
“I also love the history and old-school feel of the track and, when you add such fantastic fans, it really makes it a highlight of our season to race in Japan. I’ve had some good results here in the past, such as P4 in 2022, and we hope to be able to be in the mix to fight for another strong result this weekend and start this triple-header in a positive way.”
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