Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Comeback Drama as RB7 Erupts in Flames at San Francisco Showrun
Yuki Tsunoda endured a dramatic moment during his return to a Red Bull Formula 1 car after the iconic RB7 burst into flames at a fan event in San Francisco.
The Japanese driver was participating in a high-profile showrun designed to thrill American fans, taking to the streets in Red Bull’s 2011 championship-winning machine. The event, backed by Ford, was intended to promote the team ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, the spectacle briefly turned tense when the rear of the car suddenly caught fire shortly after Tsunoda completed a series of celebratory donuts.
Videos circulating on social media captured the alarming scene, showing flames erupting from the back of the car as smoke filled the air. Tsunoda reacted quickly, climbing out of the cockpit and walking away from the vehicle as safety marshals rushed in to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control within moments, and no injuries were reported.
A spokesperson for Red Bull Racing explained that the fire was caused by overheating following an extended demonstration run. According to the team, Tsunoda had been performing routine burnouts in the RB7 when the exhaust system became excessively hot, ultimately igniting the rear section of the car. Trackside crews responded immediately, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of everyone present.
The RB7 is a significant car in Red Bull’s history. It dominated the 2011 Formula 1 season and powered Sebastian Vettel to his second world championship title, with the German claiming 11 grand prix victories that year. As a pre-hybrid era machine, the car’s high-revving V8 engine produced a distinctive and thunderous sound that echoed through the streets of San Francisco during the demonstration, thrilling the assembled crowd.
Although the livery on these older cars is typically updated with current sponsor branding to maintain consistency across Red Bull’s global image, the mechanical components remain largely true to their original configuration. That authenticity, while appealing to fans, can occasionally create challenges during demanding demonstration runs such as prolonged burnouts.
This was Tsunoda’s first major public appearance in a Red Bull car since his role with the team changed. After losing his full-time seat at the end of last season, he now serves as a reserve driver for the 2026 campaign, having been replaced in the race lineup by Isack Hadjar. His new position includes promotional duties and showruns similar to those once undertaken by Daniel Ricciardo during his own reserve stint with the team.
The San Francisco event featured more than just Tsunoda. He was joined by Ford off-road racer Mitch Guthrie, freestyle motocross star Aaron Colton, and former Formula 1 driver Scott Speed. Speed also encountered trouble during the event, with social media footage appearing to show him making contact with barriers while driving F1 machinery.
For Tsunoda, the fiery incident marked an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu. It was not the first time a Red Bull car has ignited while he was performing donuts at a promotional event. In 2024, during a showrun in Taiwan, a similar situation unfolded when he was driving a 2012-spec Red Bull car, with overheating once again leading to flames at the rear of the vehicle.
Interestingly, the very same RB7 chassis model has a history of such incidents. Back in 2014, during a showrun in Russia, the car caught fire while being driven by former Red Bull junior driver Alex Lynn. On that occasion too, the fire was swiftly extinguished and no injuries were sustained.
Despite the dramatic visuals, these types of fires are not entirely uncommon during demonstration events. Showruns often involve repeated burnouts and donuts that place unusual thermal stress on components such as the exhaust and rear bodywork. While spectacular for spectators, the sustained high temperatures can lead to flare-ups if cooling airflow is insufficient.
Thankfully, in San Francisco, the response from marshals was immediate and effective. Tsunoda remained calm throughout, exiting the car without panic and allowing safety teams to handle the situation professionally. The event continued after the interruption, and the dramatic moment ultimately served as an unexpected reminder of the raw power and intensity of Formula 1 machinery—even when it’s running purely for show.
For Tsunoda, the incident may not have been the smooth return he would have hoped for, but it certainly ensured that his Red Bull comeback was unforgettable.
