Honda Commemorates 60 Years of F1 Success with FW11 Showrun Events

In a significant celebration of motorsport history, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its inaugural victory in the Formula One World Championship (F1) with a series of high-profile events, including a showcase of the iconic Williams Honda FW11. This event will occur at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place from July 10 to 13 in West Sussex, UK. The FW11, which was instrumental in securing Honda's first Constructors’ Championship title in 1986, will be driven by its original pilot, Nigel Mansell, during a special showrun that promises to evoke nostalgia among motorsport enthusiasts.

The FW11, powered by the Honda-developed RA166E engine, is noted for its remarkable performance, producing 1,000 horsepower in race conditions and up to 1,200 horsepower during qualifying. This vehicle was pivotal in securing nine victories out of 16 races in the 1986 season, showcasing Honda's engineering prowess and commitment to excellence in the highly competitive environment of Formula One.

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), expressed his enthusiasm regarding the event, stating, 'We are thrilled that the FW11 showrun at Goodwood has been confirmed. The FW11 is an irreplaceable car that brought Honda its first F1 World Championship.' Watanabe acknowledged the meticulous restoration efforts undertaken by Williams Heritage, ensuring that the car is presented in period-correct condition, thereby enhancing its historical significance.

Honda's 60th anniversary celebrations will not be limited to the Goodwood Festival. The FW11 is also scheduled to participate in a showrun at the Monterey Car Week 2025 in California during August. Additionally, Honda will present the Honda RA272, the racing car that marked its first F1 victory in 1965, at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix from October 24 to 26, 2025. This event will coincide exactly with the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first win at the El Hermanos Rodriguez Circuit.

Since its inception, Honda has seen racing not merely as a competitive arena but as a vital platform for technological innovation and talent development. The brand's long-standing commitment to Formula One has seen it evolve through various phases, including participation as an all-Honda team, an engine supplier, and, more recently, a technical supporter for teams such as Red Bull Racing.

Historically, Honda's engagement with F1 began in 1964, culminating in significant milestones over the decades, including multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships with teams like Williams and McLaren. Although Honda's direct participation in F1 ended in 2021, the company has continued to influence the sport through technical partnerships, reaffirming its dedication to the pinnacle of motorsport.

As Honda looks to the future, it has announced plans to return to Formula One in 2026, a move that is expected to reignite its competitive spirit and further enhance its engineering legacy. The participation of such historic vehicles as the FW11 and RA272 not only pays homage to the brand's storied past but also sets the stage for its next chapter in Formula One racing.

In summary, Honda's 60th anniversary celebrations encapsulate the brand's rich history in motorsport, reflecting on past achievements while eagerly anticipating future endeavors in Formula One. The upcoming events promise to captivate fans and reaffirm Honda's status as a significant player in the world of motorsports.