Toward an uncharted pinnacle — The endless challenge began here
Just one year after entering the automobile business in 1964, Honda stepped onto the world’s highest stage of motorsport — Formula 1. The following year, at the Mexican Grand Prix, the Honda RA272 delivered a historic first victory for a Japanese car in Formula 1. That achievement was followed by dramatic triumphs such as the unforgettable victory at the 1967 Italian Grand Prix, stunning the motorsport world.
From 1964 to 1968 — Honda entered completely unknown territory, driven solely by the dream of becoming the best in the world. The relentless determination of engineers pushing through trial and error, the evolution of the machines developed in pursuit of performance, and the legendary drivers who risked everything on track all became part of Honda’s story.
The DNA of relentless challenge forged during those five years of Honda’s first era in Formula 1 remains the enduring origin of Honda motorsports to this day.
The Journey of
Honda’s F1 Dream
Hiroshi Nakabe
In 1961, Honda, which had completely dominated two classes of the Road Racing World Championship, declared its next goal: to challenge the Formula 1 World Championship.
This is the journey of Honda’s founder, Soichiro Honda, in pursuit of his Formula 1 dream.
Grand Prix Digest
1964-1968Memories of
Honda’s First F1 Challenge
Grand Prix Digest
1964-1968Memories of
Honda’s First F1
Challenge
- ・1964：First-Time Challenger in F1
- ・1965：Striving for the First Victory
- ・1966：Struggling with 3L F1 Car Development
- ・1967：Partnering with a World Champion
- ・1968：Air-Cooled F1 Engine Emerges and Honda Ends F1 Activities
Three Essential Phrasesfrom Honda’s First F1 Era
In the 1960s, Honda ventured into an uncharted world of Formula One Grand Prix racing.
Through trial and error, Honda claimed two victories before ending its F1 activities mid-way to realizing its dream.
Here are the three essential phrases that were large factors in Honda’s F1 journey during this era.
Rediscovered
Race Documents
1959 - 1967
Historical documents discovered by chance chronicle Honda’s relentless drive for global supremacy in F1, F2, and motorcycle racing between 1959 and 1967. Long dormant and forgotten, these records are more than mere archives—they stand as a testament to Honda’s enduring spirit of challenge.
※This document was originally published in November 1968. Its content, including handwritten notes, is displayed as-is to preserve its original form.
Videos
Anniversary of
First F1 Victory
Honda F1 Results for All 35 Races
Honda was one of the first to challenge the pinnacle of motorsports
at a time when Formula 1 was still unknown to Japan.
Honda’s early F1 activities spanned 35 rounds over five seasons.
Race Wins
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Race Starts
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Podiums
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Best Finish
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1st
Pole Positions
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Total
0
Best Grid
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PP
Points
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Total
0
Retirements
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Total
0
Fastest Laps
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Total
0
Laps Raced
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Laps Led
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Best Ranking
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Total
4st
- ※ Total Starts: race starts as constructor, / Total best finish, best grid, best ranking: best driver results / Other totals: totals of all drivers