Akula will be proud to return to Formula One this weekend for the American Grand Prix. As a sign...
Okay, so strictly speaking it's not a spectacular return, but this has happened many times in the past. Red Bull Racing Honda and Scudria Alfa Tauri Honda (Red Bull Budget) teams will exchange their usual Honda brand Akula logo.
In addition to being on display at the car, the Acura logo will also appear on the racing suits of the four drivers. Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly and Tsukuba will all be tied with neat Akula belts. In addition, the top of the helmet visor will also be decorated with a logo.
Yuji Yamamoto, Managing Director of Honda F1, said: "It's very special to have Acura as we partnered with Red Bull Racing Honda and Scudria Alfa Tauri Honda for the 2021 American Grand Prix. "It's been an incredible F1 season so far and we're proud to add the Acura brand to our story for this iconic F1 race in the United States.
While it may seem like a marketing stunt, it also has some historical context. Honda F1 drivers have traditionally exchanged their Honda visors for Akula brand visors at the U.S. and Canadian Grand Prix. Elton Senna, Alain Prost, Jason Barton and Rubens Barrichello all had the Akula logo on the front of their helmets during their racing careers with Honda. However, the last time was 15 years ago.
Emile Korkor, Acura's assistant vice president of national sales, said: "I've been a huge fan of Formula One all my life, a kid growing up in Canada, and I remember seeing Akula wearing a Senna and Prost helmet at the Canadian Grand Prix. "Motorsport is significant for a show brand like Acura and we are incredibly excited about our partnership with Red Bull Racing and Scudria Alfatari in this race.
Akula does have a racing legacy in the United States. Last year, it won the driver, manufacturer and team championship in the DPi and GTD racing categories in the IMSA Weather Technology Sports Car Series. It also has an excellent selection of sporty cars, including a new limited-production NSX. There is also a brand new Integra on the road.
Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer, said: "Over the past five years, Acura has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to precision precision and precision on the road and track. "This weekend we are celebrating our role as Honda's performance division and are delighted to be back in Formula One for the first time in almost 15 years.