Motorsport fans are set to descend on D.C.’s most famous avenue this weekend for a one-of-a-kind free event.
Oracle Red Bull Racing, the Formula 1 powerhouse team that’s home to three-time world champion Max Verstappen, is set to demonstrate one of its championship cars Saturday in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and National Mall.
The Red Bull Showrun, which has taken place in other cities including Chicago and Nashville, comes to the District for the first time. The showcase from 4-6 p.m. will feature the team’s RB7, used in 2011 by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, streaking up and down Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th streets.
One of the most dominant cars in F1 history, the German and Aussie tandem piloted it to 18 of 19 poles and 12 wins that season en route to a back-to-back constructors’ championship and the second of Vettel’s four F1 titles.
Thirteen-time Grand Prix winner and current F1 commentator David Coulthard, who gave Red Bull its first-ever podium in F1, will be piloting the 750 horsepower machine in the District. Former F1, NASCAR and IndyCar driver Scott Speed as well as freestyle motorcyclist Aaron Colton will also entertain spectators.
Consistent with Red Bull’s tradition of guerrilla marketing, organizers have been toting a car around the District in recent weeks, with the unit making appearances on the Potomac River via a floating stage, in the lobby of the Willard InterContinental hotel and at Audi Field for a Washington Spirit game.
Saturday’s racing demonstration is also coupled with a fan event Friday from 2-7 p.m. at Union Market in Northeast. Last year’s F1 championship car, the RB19, will be on display, along with racing simulators and other interactive experiences for fans.
Red Bull’s current driver tandem of Verstappen and Sergio Perez leads the constructors’ standings by 21 points over Ferrari going into this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix and two weeks ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the first of three U.S. races in 2024. Leading the drivers’ standings again, Verstappen is in search of his fourth-straight title, which would tie him for the second-most consecutive titles in F1 history.
Fans will be able to line both sides of the five-block strip to catch the action beginning at 1:30 p.m., and organizers recommend ear protection for those headed to the District for the event. Road closures around the makeshift track, including Pennsylvania and Constitution avenues NW near the National Gallery of Art, begin Friday evening and last through Sunday afternoon.
• George Gerbo can be reached at ggerbo@washingtontimes.com.
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