Ford & Red Bull: Raptor Jumps F1 Car in San Francisco Stunt

San Francisco streets became a thrilling motorsport showcase this past weekend as Ford Racing and Red Bull Racing collaborated on a spectacular demonstration of speed and precision. The event, dubbed the Red Bull Showrun presented by Ford Racing, featured a daring stunt involving a Dakar-spec Ford Raptor T1+ truck jumping over a Red Bull Racing RB7 Formula 1 car.

A Bold Collaboration

The collaboration between Ford and Red Bull wasn’t limited to a single stunt. Ford Racing had recently been supporting Red Bull’s powertrain testing in Bahrain. The jump in San Francisco served as a dramatic teaser for the Red Bull Showrun, which drew tens of thousands of fans and required the closure of streets between Baker and Buchanan.

The Stunt: Precision and Power

Former Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda headlined the event, but it was Mitch Guthrie Jr. Behind the wheel of the Raptor T1+ who executed the impressive jump. Aiming for approximately 45mph, Guthrie launched the off-road racer up an 11-degree incline, clearing a five-degree ramp as Scott Speed, also a former F1 racer, maneuvered the RB7 below. A video of the stunt quickly circulated online, garnering enthusiastic reactions, including comments like “Awesome work team!” and playful suggestions for future stunts, such as jumping the Golden Gate Bridge.

Did You Know? The Red Bull Showrun featured both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 cars, showcasing a range of motorsport vehicles.

A Brief Scare

The weekend wasn’t without incident. Following the demonstration, Yuki Tsunoda’s car caught fire, but thankfully, the driver was able to safely exit the 2011 chassis unharmed. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, adding an unexpected element to the event’s narrative.

What’s Next?

With the San Francisco Showrun complete, both Red Bull Racing and Ford Racing are now focused on the upcoming Formula 1 season. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled for March 8th, marks the official start of the season and will be the next major event for the teams.

Expert Insight: The Red Bull Showrun represents a strategic effort to engage fans and build excitement around Formula 1 in the United States. Combining the spectacle of F1 cars with the rugged capability of the Ford Raptor demonstrates a commitment to broadening the appeal of motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles were featured in the Red Bull Showrun?

The event featured Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 cars, alongside vehicles like the Ford Raptor T1+.

Who performed the jump during the Red Bull Showrun?

Mitch Guthrie Jr. Drove the Ford Raptor T1+ during the jump, while Scott Speed maneuvered the Red Bull RB7 below.

What happened with Yuki Tsunoda’s car?

Yuki Tsunoda’s car caught fire after the demonstration, but he was able to safely exit the vehicle without injury.

What does this type of event tell you about the future of motorsport fan engagement?