Verstappen Drives Championship-Winning RB8 at Salzburg Airport Demo

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen recently took to the runway of Salzburg Airport in the championship-winning Red Bull RB8 car as part of a special event marking the re-opening of the iconic Red Bull Hangar-7. For the first time in its history, Salzburg Airport's runway was transformed into a dynamic live-action stage. The event served as a comprehensive showcase for various motorsport disciplines and celebrated talents from across the Red Bull spectrum, featuring exciting demo runs, spectacular doughnuts, and even a drag race. Verstappen, piloting the successful 2012 season car, was joined by a host of other motorsport legends. The display included MotoGP icon Dani Pedrosa on a KTM MotoGP Bike, Dakar Rally star Daniel Sanders with a Dakar Ford Raptor T1+, and NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch demonstrating a WRC M-Sport Puma. The core focus of the Hangar-7 re-opening celebration was to highlight the people and machines that embody the Red Bull brand's global reach. This included motorsport figures, aviation enthusiasts, and skilled individuals from a wide range of disciplines. The occasion was a multi-faceted spectacle, blending high-powered motorsport action with an impressive airshow performed by The Flying Bulls, alongside live music and culinary experiences. It successfully brought together the diverse passions and projects associated with Red Bull. Red Bull Hangar-7 has long been envisioned as a unique meeting space, seamlessly integrating art, cuisine, and aviation. This vision, originated by Dietrich Mateschitz, remains central to the venue's identity, continuing to inspire visitors after its re-opening. Reflecting on his participation, Verstappen expressed his enjoyment of the event. Having visited Hangar-7 frequently throughout his life, he described the experience as a form of homecoming. He noted the consistent array of activities at the venue, encompassing helicopters, planes, and cars, effectively merging motorsport and other sports. Verstappen particularly highlighted the enjoyment of collaborative events across different sports and found the drag race featuring a variety of vehicles particularly memorable. The demonstration provided F1 fans and motorsport enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see a modern classic F1 car in an unconventional setting, showcasing Red Bull's commitment to dynamic and engaging events across all their platforms.