Yuki Tsunoda Escapes Unharmed from RB7 Fire in SF Demo

Yuki Tsunoda escaped unharmed after the Red Bull RB7 Formula 1 car he was driving burst into flames during a demonstration run on the streets of San Francisco on Saturday.

The Japanese driver, serving as Red Bull's reserve for the 2026 season, was behind the wheel of the 2011 RB7, the car that helped Sebastian Vettel secure his second world drivers' title. The event, held on Marina Boulevard as part of a Red Bull and Ford showcase, marked Tsunoda's first public outing in an F1 car since losing his full-time race seat at the end of 2025. Just 24 hours after Red Bull's preseason testing in Bahrain, Tsunoda performed donuts for the crowd before coming to a stop. Smoke soon emerged from the rear of the vehicle, followed by visible flames that spread quickly.

Spectators shouted for Tsunoda to exit the cockpit as the fire intensified. Footage captured by attendees showed him calmly unfastening his seat belts, standing up, and stepping out of the car without assistance. Response vehicles arrived promptly, and the blaze was contained without further incident. Tsunoda paused briefly to glance at the burning car before walking away safely. Earlier, he had expressed enthusiasm for the...