Four-time champion Max Verstappen has unveiled his special one-off helmet design for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
After teasing the announcement earlier in the week on his Instagram broadcast channel, the Dutchman revealed the design to social media today.
Verstappen has chosen to go with a stripped-back red-and-white design similar to the Japanese flag.
As well as his usual lion on the top of the helmet, it also features florals at the base, which could be a tribute to Japanese cherry blossoms.
The new design has already racked up 23,000 likes on X and has spurred on some fans to call for Red Bull to adopt a white livery for the upcoming race.
One fan wrote: "White livery please give us the whole package please."
The Red Bull driver will be joined in Suzuka by Yuki Tsunoda who has just replaced Liam Lawson at the team.
Confirming the news this morning, team principal Christian Horner explained that the team had come to the decision to swap the two drivers in order to have the best chance in the drivers' and constructors' championships. He explained:
"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision.
"We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.
We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.
"We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well."
Verstappen hasn't been impressed by the RB21 so far this season, either.
After struggling with it through the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, he visited the team's headquarters this week to iron out the issues he's so far identified.
