This month, the news broke that Sebastian Vettel, the four-time F1 world champion now retired, would be returning to the grand prix circuit for a special event in Germany on the 9th of September.
Vettel is set to command the Red Bull RB7, a masterpiece by Adrian Newey that earned 12 race victories and captured 18 out of 19 possible pole positions in the 2011 season.
During this 12.9-mile circuit, the car will employ e-fuels to keep emissions low, reflecting Vettel’s eco-conscious stance demonstrated during the 2022 British Grand Prix parade laps. During this event, he used carbon-neutral fuel while driving the 1992 double-championship winning Williams FW14B, previously owned by Nigel Mansell, that he acquired at auction.
Daniel Ricciardo, another former Red Bull teammate of Vettel’s, will be behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB8, a 2012 model. This event signifies the first return of F1 vehicles to the Nordschleife since the 2013 Nurburgring 24 Hours weekend, which featured Michael Schumacher, the seven-time F1 world champion, leading in his 2011 Mercedes W02.
Adding to the star-studded line-up, Japanese racer Tsunoda is set to debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, driving a Honda NSX GT3 Evo.
Tsunoda expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve never driven at the Nurburgring before, so I’m really looking forward to the event in September. I can’t wait to drive around in my Honda NSX GT3 Evo, a highly impressive car with a proven track record at the top tier of GT3 competition.”
Tsunoda will be driving an AlphaTauri-themed Honda NSX GT3 Evo for the event, adding a note of excitement for the fans.
“The Nordschleife is a legendary circuit. I’ve only experienced it through the Gran Turismo videogame so far, but I’ve enjoyed every moment,” he added.
Tsunoda’s addition to the roster is particularly noteworthy as reigning double F1 champion Max Verstappen was refused a chance to participate in the Red Bull Formula Nurburgring event.
Verstappen speculated that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had swiftly denied his participation to prevent him from “pushing the boundaries” and aiming to break the lap record of 5m19.546s. This record was set by Timo Bernhard in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo special project in 2018.
Related articles:
Verstappen Barred from Red Bull’s Nordschleife F1 Display
Vettel Returns to Red Bull’s F1 Cockpit for Nordschleife Event
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Red Bull Nordschleife Showcase
Who are the main drivers participating in the Red Bull Nordschleife Showcase?
The main drivers participating in the Red Bull Nordschleife Showcase are Sebastian Vettel and Yuki Tsunoda. Daniel Ricciardo is also driving, albeit in a separate vehicle.
What car will Sebastian Vettel be driving in the event?
Sebastian Vettel will be driving the Red Bull RB7, a car that claimed 12 race wins and 18 out of 19 possible pole positions in the 2011 season.
Why is Max Verstappen not participating in the Red Bull Nordschleife showcase?
Max Verstappen was denied participation in the event by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. The decision was based on concerns that Verstappen would aim to break the current lap record.
What kind of fuel will Vettel’s car use during the run?
Vettel’s car will use e-fuels, a type of fuel designed to minimize emissions, during the run.
What car will Yuki Tsunoda be driving?
Yuki Tsunoda will be making his debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife behind the wheel of a Honda NSX GT3 Evo.
When was the last time F1 cars raced at the Nordschleife?
The last time F1 cars raced at the Nordschleife was during the 2013 Nurburgring 24 Hours weekend.
What is the current lap record at the Nordschleife?
The current lap record at the Nordschleife is 5 minutes and 19.546 seconds, set by Timo Bernhard in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo special project in 2018.
More about Red Bull Nordschleife Showcase
- Sebastian Vettel’s F1 Career
- Yuki Tsunoda’s Racing Profile
- History of Nurburgring Nordschleife
- More on e-Fuels
- Honda NSX GT3 Evo
- Max Verstappen’s F1 Career
- Timo Bernhard’s Record at Nordschleife
5 comments
Ricciardo in the RB8 from 2012?! I remember those days, it’ll be so nostalgic to see it on track again.
Big thumbs up for using e-fuels, every little bit counts towards saving our planet. Hoping more teams will follow suit soon!
Can’t wait to see Tsunoda on the Nurburgring, the NSX GT3 Evo is a real beast! hope he gets a good run.
Why is Max denied!? He would’ve smashed that lap record for sure. Marko needs to let him race!
How great to see Vettel back in a Red Bull! can’t wait for the event. tsunoda is quite an interesting addition, isn’t he?