Why does 2022 Red Bull F1 car say HRC and not Honda?

HRC now handles Honda's motorcycle and automobile racing operations

Yesterday, Red Bull Racing introduced its new Formula 1 car dubbed RB18, and it looks very promising. The team has to defend the driver’s championship, after all. Noticeably, the new livery for the RB18 doesn’t have direct references to the Honda brand. In comparison, the team’s past two Red Bull F1 cars had a big H on the nose and “HONDA” on the rear wing and engine cover.

For the 2022 season, the only decal the RB18 has to the Japanese automaker is the small HRC sticker on the engine cover. For reference, HRC stands for Honda Racing Company. But why is that the case? Doesn’t HRC mainly operate Honda’s motorcycles racing division, not automobiles?

Last season, Honda announced they will be exiting the sport after the 2021 F1 season. However, they won’t be leaving entirely. The automaker will continue to supply Red Bull Racing (and AlphaTauri) with engines from 2022 onwards. Subsequently, the team also established Red Bull Powertrains to begin the development of their own powertrain.

While HRC might be known for its motorcycle operations, the company was reorganized last month to handle Honda's automotive racing operations as well. Yes, that includes the division working on F1 powertrains. Since Honda is no longer officially part of Formula 1, it seems the team has decided to use HRC instead. After all, the company is still supplying engines to Red Bull Racing and Alphatauri for the time being.

Honda will be missed this 2022 season, but at least they’re still somewhat around. Hopefully, the automaker makes a comeback in the future.