Tsunoda Escapes Unhurt After Red Bull RB7 Catches Fire at San Francisco Showrun
Yuki Tsunoda experienced a frightening moment during a Red Bull demonstration event in San Francisco when the team’s iconic RB7 Formula 1 car suddenly caught fire.
The Japanese driver was behind the wheel of the 2011 championship-winning machine as part of a promotional showrun designed to excite fans and build momentum in the United States ahead of the 2026 season. The event, supported by Ford, brought Formula 1 machinery to city streets, giving spectators a rare chance to witness the raw power and sound of a pre-hybrid era car up close.
After completing several high-energy demonstration laps and performing donuts for the crowd, flames erupted from the rear of the RB7. Videos shared on social media captured the dramatic moment, showing fire and smoke billowing from the back of the car. Tsunoda reacted swiftly, bringing the car to a stop and climbing out safely while marshals rushed in with fire extinguishers.
A spokesperson for Red Bull Racing later confirmed that the blaze was caused by overheating. Following an extended demo run, the exhaust system became excessively hot during routine burnouts, eventually igniting bodywork at the rear of the car. The fire was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.
The RB7 holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It was the dominant car of the 2011 season and carried Sebastian Vettel to his second world championship, with 11 grand prix victories that year. Known for its screaming V8 engine, the car’s distinctive sound echoed through the streets of San Francisco during the event, thrilling the assembled crowd before the incident temporarily halted proceedings.
Although these older Red Bull cars are often updated with current sponsor branding for promotional appearances, their mechanical foundations remain largely unchanged. During showruns, drivers frequently perform burnouts and donuts to entertain fans. However, these maneuvers can generate extreme heat, particularly around the exhaust system and rear bodywork, increasing the risk of flare-ups.
The San Francisco appearance marked Tsunoda’s first major public event in a Red Bull car since stepping into a reserve driver role for the 2026 campaign. He was replaced in the race lineup at the end of last season by Isack Hadjar and now focuses on simulator work, testing duties, and promotional commitments. His new position mirrors responsibilities previously undertaken by Daniel Ricciardo during his own time as a Red Bull reserve.
Tsunoda was not the only star present at the showrun. He was joined by off-road racer Mitch Guthrie, freestyle motocross rider Aaron Colton, and former Formula 1 driver Scott Speed. Social media clips also suggested that Speed encountered difficulties during the event, appearing to brush the barriers while driving F1 machinery.
For Tsunoda, the fiery episode carried a sense of déjà vu. In 2024, while driving a 2012-spec Red Bull car at a promotional event in Taiwan, he experienced a similar issue when the rear of the car ignited following burnouts. Additionally, the RB7 model itself has a history of catching fire during showruns. In 2014, the same generation of car burst into flames at a demonstration event in Russia while being driven by former Red Bull junior Alex Lynn. In all cases, the fires were swiftly extinguished without injury.
While visually dramatic, such incidents are not entirely uncommon during exhibition runs. Demonstration events often involve extended periods of high revving with limited airflow compared to normal race conditions, which can cause components to overheat.
Thankfully, Tsunoda remained composed throughout the incident in San Francisco. He exited the car calmly and left the situation to the marshals, who handled the emergency efficiently. The event ultimately continued after the interruption, and despite the scare, the showrun achieved its aim of delivering excitement to American fans.
Although not the smoothest return to a Red Bull car, Tsunoda’s dramatic appearance ensured the San Francisco event will be remembered for more than just its roaring V8 soundtrack.
