Red Bull Confirms F1 Drivers for Adelaide Grand Final Demo

Formula 1 legend David Coulthard and former Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed are set to headline the Red Bull Showrun at the Adelaide Grand Final, driving the iconic Red Bull RB7. Coulthard, returning to the site of his dramatic 1995 F1 crash, will be joined by Speed, who will pilot an RB7 under the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls banner, promising an exhilarating display for motorsport fans.

Why it matters:

The Red Bull Showrun in Adelaide brings the visceral excitement of Formula 1 to a city with a rich motorsport heritage. For fans, it's a rare chance to see a high-performance F1 car in action outside of a race weekend, piloted by celebrated drivers. This event not only entertains but also reignites nostalgia for Adelaide's past as an F1 host city, connecting generations of racing enthusiasts.

The details:

• Driver Line-up: David Coulthard, a 13-time Grand Prix winner, will drive the Red Bull RB7. He'll be joined by Scott Speed, who had 28 starts with Toro Rosso (now Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) before transitioning to NASCAR.
• Historic Return: Coulthard's appearance marks a fitting return to the streets of Adelaide, where he competed in the final Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in 1995. He famously crashed out of the lead in that race, hitting the pit entry wall.
• Coulthard's Memories: He described his 1995 Adelaide race as having “bittersweet memories,” recalling the “rather expensive crash” that cost him a podium opportunity. Despite the incident, he praised the circuit as a “high-speed street circuit” with a challenging layout and a long straight.
• Second Car: The second RB7 will run under the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 banner, driven by Scott Speed.
• Event Dates: The Red Bull Showrun is scheduled to take place from November 27-30.
• Fan Anticipation: Speed highlighted Adelaide's “legendary place in motorsport history” and the “incredible show” that the power and precision of an F1 car will deliver.

The big picture:

Red Bull's showrun events are a cornerstone of their global marketing, bringing Formula 1 to wider audiences and engaging existing fan bases. By featuring a car from a dominant era (the RB7 won the 2011 Constructors' Championship) and drivers with strong ties to the sport's history, they create a memorable experience that transcends a typical static display. This event underscores the enduring appeal of F1, even in non-championship contexts.

What's next:

The Adelaide Grand Final demonstration is expected to be a major highlight for Australian motorsport fans later this year. The combination of an iconic F1 car, a legendary driver making a nostalgic return, and a celebrated street circuit promises a spectacle that will draw significant attention and further cement Formula 1's place in the hearts of Australian sports enthusiasts.