Yuki Tsunoda's Honda RA272 Exhibition Run Ends Prematurely in Mexico City

Yuki Tsunoda's commemorative show-run in Mexico City took an unexpected turn, as the AlphaTauri driver was forced to retire the iconic Honda RA272 after just half a lap. The outing, meant to celebrate Honda's first F1 victory nearly 60 years ago, ended with a gearbox issue, adding another premature 'retirement' to Tsunoda's recent history at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Why it matters:

This incident, though a show-run, highlights a peculiar streak of bad luck for Tsunoda at the Mexico City circuit. While not affecting his F1 race weekend, it's a minor embarrassment for both Honda and Tsunoda during a historically significant celebration. The RA272 holds a special place in F1 lore, and its early stoppage during a tribute run detracts slightly from the intended joyous commemoration.

The Details:

• Commemorative Event: The show-run featured Tsunoda driving the Honda RA272, the very car that secured Honda's maiden F1 victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.
• Historical Significance: The 1965 race, held at the Ciudad Deportiva Magdalena Mixhuca, saw American driver Richie Ginther take his first and only F1 victory, marking a significant milestone for Honda as a constructor.
  • It was also the only Grand Prix of that season not won by a British manufacturer or driver.
• Early Stoppage: Tsunoda's run came to an abrupt halt between Turns 3 and 4 after he was unable to select second gear, effectively ending the demonstration after completing just half a lap.
• Tsunoda's Mexico City 'Curse': This marks Tsunoda's fourth 'retirement' in five appearances at the circuit, following crashes in the Grand Prix races in 2021, 2022, and 2023. While not a competitive incident, it continues an unusual trend for the Japanese driver at this venue.

What's next:

While merely a ceremonial run, the incident provides a quirky footnote to what was otherwise a celebration of Honda's rich F1 heritage. For Tsunoda, it's a minor blip that he will likely put behind him quickly as he focuses on his competitive F1 career. The RA272's legacy, however, remains untarnished by this brief mechanical hiccup, continuing to symbolize a pioneering moment for the Japanese manufacturer in Formula 1.