Red Bull Show Car Catches Fire During Tsunoda Demo Run

Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda was forced to make a swift exit from a classic RB7 Formula 1 car after it caught fire during a demonstration run in San Francisco. The incident, captured on video by spectators, marked Tsunoda's first public outing in an F1 car since losing his full-time race seat at the end of the 2025 season.

Why it matters:

Public demonstration runs are crucial for fan engagement and team marketing, making any incident, especially a dramatic fire, a significant public relations event. For Tsunoda, who is aiming to rebuild his reputation and secure a return to the grid in 2027, a high-profile mishap during a showcase event is an unfortunate setback, even if he emerged unscathed.

The details:

• The fire occurred on Saturday in San Francisco during a demo run featuring the championship-winning RB7 from the 2011 season.
• Fan footage shows smoke and then flames emerging from the rear of the car after Tsunoda had come to a stop.
• Spectators can be heard shouting for the driver to evacuate. Tsunoda calmly unfastened his belts, assessed the situation, and stepped out of the cockpit as safety vehicles arrived.
• The Japanese driver is serving as the official reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls in the 2026 season after being replaced by Isack Hadjar at the senior team.

What's next:

An investigation into the technical fault that caused the fire is standard procedure following such incidents. For Tsunoda, the focus remains on his simulator and development work with Red Bull. His primary objective is to perform strongly in his reserve role to position himself for a potential return to a full-time F1 seat in 2027, a goal that remains unchanged despite the dramatic San Francisco display.