Red Bull recently began using the US$5mil (RM20mil) HondaJet Elite to transport their team during the Italian Grand Prix, which concluded with a first place victory by AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly.
The aircraft will be mainly operated in Europe and used for multiple purposes, including transporting drivers, other athletes and officers, and previewing racing circuits. The light jet can carry up to eight occupants with crew included.
Red Bull F1 racing team advisor Helmut Marko said the HondaJet was picked because it was particularly efficient on short and medium-distance routes.
The Scuderia AlphaTauri Team in the HondaJet Elite. They are (from left) team principal Franz Tost, F1 drivers Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly.
The partnership between Honda and Red Bull in F1 racing dates back to 2018, when Honda began supplying power units to Red Bull’s F1 team. Technologies found in the engines powering the HondaJet enhance the power of the Red Bull Racing car, which has led the Red Bull-Honda F1 team to multiple victories.
The HondaJet fleet comprised of over 155 aircraft worldwide and it has been the most delivered light jet in its class in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Honda Aircraft Company is based in Greensboro, North Carolina.
