Austrian GP Replaces Drivers' Parade Lorries with Bespoke KTM X-Bows

The Austrian Grand Prix replaced the traditional flatbed lorry drivers' parade with a fleet of bespoke KTM X-Bows wrapped in each team's 2026 livery. All 22 drivers were chauffeured around the 4.318km Red Bull Ring in the lightweight Austrian sports cars, adding a fresh twist to the pre-race spectacle.

Why it matters:

Formula 1 continues to experiment with fan-facing formats, and swapping familiar lorries for high-performance track cars created a more dynamic visual showcase. The move also aligned perfectly with local flavor, as the Red Bull Ring already hosts its own KTM X-Bow driving experience for visitors.

The details:

• The KTM X-Bow is built around a Dallara-designed carbon fibre monocoque and powered by a rear-mounted turbocharged Audi engine. In standard specification, it produces 330 horsepower, weighs just 790kg, and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
• Each vehicle carried its driver in full team colors, turning the parade lap into a rolling display of the 2026 grid's liveries.
• Fans on social media compared the concept to the recent Miami Grand Prix LEGO car parade, with some arguing the drivers should have been allowed to race the X-Bows rather than simply ride in them.

What's next:

George Russell will lead Sunday's race from pole position for Mercedes, sharing the front row with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton lines up third ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, setting up a tense battle at the sharp end of the grid.