Red Bull RB8 F1 car takes to the (train) tracks ahead of Madrid race

Red Bull prepared for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in typical Red Bull style by taking its RB8 F1 car onto Madrid Metro tracks for a first-of-its-kind stunt.

This weekend’s Formula One race takes place at the brand-new MadRing circuit, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix until 2035. Ahead of proceedings, Red Bull swapped the asphalt for a very different kind of track, taking its 2012 double-title-winning RB8 underground.

To prepare for the challenge, work took place at the Canillejas workshops to create bespoke metal wheels weighing 29.8kg, which is double the weight of a standard F1 wheel.

Behind the wheel on the tracks was former F1 driver Patrick Friesacher, who guided the RB8 car through a closed Madrid Metro network, passing by Estadio Metropolitano station and the Sacedal and Chamartín depots. 

Friesacher commented: "It was an unbelievable experience. I've been lucky enough to experience a lot with our Heritage team, but driving an F1 car on railway tracks was surreal. It's very cool to add Metro driver to the resume." 

The stunt was also put on to promote the MadRing’s accessibility by train, with the F1 governing body previously saying that 90% of fans would be able to travel to the circuit via public transport. As “one of the calendar’s most accessible races”, the new Spanish Grand Prix circuit also aids F1 in its ambition to be net zero by 2030.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool
video: Red Bull Racing YouTube Channel