Red Bull adapts 2012 F1 car for Madrid Metro track stunt

News Summary

Red Bull adapted its 2012 RB8 to run on Madrid’s Metro tracks ahead of the city’s first Formula 1 race.
The championship-winning car was fitted with specially developed metal wheels weighing 29.8 kg each, roughly twice the weight of a standard F1 wheel.
Former F1 driver Patrick Friesacher drove the RB8 through Estadio Metropolitano station and the Sacedal and Chamartín maintenance yards.

Red Bull took Formula 1 off the circuit and onto the Madrid Metro tracks ahead of the city’s debut on the F1 calendar this weekend, adapting its 2012 RB8 to operate on the railway system.

The activation, carried out in collaboration with Madrid Metro, saw the championship-winning F1 car fitted with specially designed wheels so it could travel along the city’s underground tracks.

The RB8 holds a special place in Red Bull’s history. Driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber during the 2012 season, the car helped the team secure its third consecutive Constructors’ Championship, while Vettel claimed his third straight Drivers’ title at the season finale in Interlagos.

How Red Bull adapted the RB8 for the Metro

Red Bull worked with Spanish engineering group Andtonic to modify the RB8 for its unusual journey. The most visible change was to the wheels, which had to be redesigned to allow the F1 car to run safely on railway tracks.

The resulting metal wheels weigh 29.8 kg each — approximately twice as much as a standard Formula 1 wheel.

The route chosen for the stunt also carried a link to the future Madring circuit. The new F1 venue will feature a Metro station within the circuit complex, giving spectators another way to reach the track.

Former F1 driver Patrick Friesacher was given the unusual task of driving the RB8. He took the car through Estadio Metropolitano station and the Sacedal and Chamartín maintenance yards.

“It was an incredible experience. I’ve been lucky enough to experience many things with our Heritage team, but driving an F1 car on Metro tracks was surreal. It’s pretty cool to be able to add ‘Metro driver’ to my CV,” Friesacher said.

Formula 1 arrives in Madrid

Formula 1 returns this weekend, September 11-13, for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid street circuit.

The event will mark the debut of Madrid’s new venue on the F1 calendar and the 14th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow all the action from the Spanish Grand Prix.

FAQ

Why did Red Bull put an F1 car on Madrid’s Metro tracks?

Red Bull carried out the activation with Madrid Metro to promote the city’s first Formula 1 race and highlight the connection between the new circuit and Madrid’s public transport network.

Which F1 car did Red Bull use for the Madrid Metro stunt?

Red Bull used the RB8, its 2012 Formula 1 car driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The car helped Red Bull win the 2012 Constructors’ Championship, while Vettel secured his third consecutive Drivers’ title.