Yuki Tsunoda is officially set to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, and he’ll be doing it Stateside.
Red Bull Racing announced that Tsunoda will drive the RB7 in San Francisco on February 21 as part of a Red Bull Showrun event in partnership with Red Bull USA. The Japanese driver expressed his excitement in a promotional post shared by the team on Instagram.
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“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car and to do that in RB7 in San Francisco will be amazing,” Tsunoda said.
The RB7, famously driven by Sebastian Vettel during his 2011 championship-winning campaign, remains one of the most iconic cars in Red Bull history. While this appearance won’t be part of an official race weekend, it offers fans a rare opportunity to see a championship-winning F1 car in action on American soil.
Tsunoda also highlighted the spectacle fans can expect from the event: “I’m really looking forward to getting out there, doing some donuts and making some real F1 noise in front of the crowds.”
The February 21 showrun continues Red Bull’s tradition of taking Formula 1 machinery beyond traditional circuits, bringing high-performance cars into city environments to engage fans ahead of the new season.
Red Bull Showrun San Francisco: How To Attend and What To Expect
Red Bull Showrun San Francisco is a free Formula 1 demonstration set to take over Marina Boulevard and Marina Green. The event is open to all ages and doesn’t require tickets. Spectators can simply line the route to watch the action up close.
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The showcase features the above-mentioned RB7 car and a Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 car running up and down the street, giving fans a rare opportunity to see these machines outside of a race weekend. With engines revving and tire smoke filling the air, it’s designed to highlight the speed, precision, and technical skill of both the cars and the drivers.
Spectators can expect a lively afternoon atmosphere with the sound of F1 engines and additional performance vehicles from Red Bull and partners adding to the spectacle. Because the cars use loud V8 engines, ear protection is recommended, especially for children and those sensitive to noise.
Yuki Tsunoda Career Update
Isack Hadjar replaced the Japanese driver as Max Verstappen’s new teammate in the senior Red Bull team, with Arvid Lindblad joining Liam Lawson in the sister team, Racing Bulls.
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Subsequently, Tsunoda will serve as the test and reserve driver for Red Bull for the 2026 F1 season. After an "incredibly tough" decision, the 25-year-old star remains hopeful that his F1 journey is far from over. “I’m not finished yet,” he stated in a statement after the role change last year.
“I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid,” he continued, looking forward to his new role with the team.
For now, the San Francisco showrun offers Tsunoda a high-profile return to F1 machinery, and another reminder that his story with Red Bull may not be over just yet.