This past weekend, the vibrant streets of Sandton were transformed into a high-octane playground as the highly anticipated Red Bull Showrun roared through Africa’s richest square mile.

• Throngs of fans packed Katherine Street, eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the raw power of Formula 1 up close.
• Headlining the spectacle was none other than British Formula 1 legend, David Coulthard, behind the wheel of the championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB7.
• The Red Bull Showrun Johannesburg certainly one of the city’s most unforgettable events for 2024.
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The streets of Sandton were buzzing with excitement as the Red Bull Showrun drew an incredible crowd of 25’000 motorsport fans, transforming the city into a roaring Formula 1 festival. Part of a global series that brings the thrill of F1 to unique urban locations, the Sandton event joined the ranks of cities like Cape Town, Tokyo, and Guadalajara in hosting the high-octane spectacle. Fans who might not typically have the chance to witness live racing were treated to the exhilarating sights and sounds of Red Bull’s precision-engineered F1 machine tearing through the heart of Sandton.

Sandton, long renowned for its business and luxury credentials, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this adrenaline-fueled event. The iconic Katherine Street, between Rivonia Road and West Street, echoed with the roar of the RB7, reviving memories of South Africa’s deep connection to motorsport history, harking back to the legendary Kyalami Circuit. The car, which dominated the 2011 season with 12 wins and 18 pole positions, came alive with its 750-horsepower engine, hitting a thrilling 18’000 RPM, while David Coulthard expertly performed donuts and burnouts, much to the crowd’s delight.

It’s always special to bring Formula 1 to the streets and engage with fans in such an up-close and personal way. Driving the RB7 here in Johannesburg was incredible—the energy from the crowd was electrifying. The enthusiasm for motorsport in South Africa is palpable, and it’s a privilege to be part of that excitement.

// Former Red Bull Racing driver and a 13-time Grand Prix winner, David Coulthard

At the pre-event press conference for the Red Bull Formula 1 Showrun in Sandton, David Coulthard shared his enthusiasm about driving the iconic RB7 through the streets of Sandton, emphasising the thrill of bringing Formula 1 closer to South African fans. He also had a chance to test-drive the Kyalami Circuit during his visit, providing some insightful observations.

David also had a chance to meet with Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, and was asked by media about the likelihood of South Africa hosting a Formula 1 in the near future.

David was joined by drift racer Elias Hountondji and motorbike stunt rider Arūnas ‘Aras’ Gibieža, both of whom promised a day packed with exhilarating performances. Red Bull athlete Samkelisiwe “SamSam” Thubane expressed his excitement about showcasing his signature spinning stunts in front of a home crowd, sharing how proud he was to represent South African talent on such a prestigious platform.

The day’s action wasn’t limited to just the RB7. German drift racer Elias Hountondji, one half of the famed Red Bull Drift Brothers, wowed the crowds with his precision drifting alongside Chris Long, while Lithuanian stunt rider Arūnas ‘Aras’ Gibieža showcased jaw-dropping motorbike stunts. Fans were also treated to the spinning mastery of local talent, including Samkelisiwe “SamSam” Thubane, who has been making waves since winning back-to-back titles at the Red Bull Shay’iMoto competition.

The event, despite not being an official Formula 1 race, delivered an adrenaline-packed experience. It wasn’t just about speed; the atmosphere was electric. The City of Johannesburg strategically partnered with Red Bull to bring this world-class event to life, showcasing the city’s capacity to host top-tier international spectacles. In doing so, it also created temporary jobs and opportunities for local businesses, further cementing Johannesburg’s reputation as a premier destination for global events.

As the sun set and the closing DJ act took over, the skyline of Sandton had firmly secured its place as a must-visit location on the motorsport map. With grandstands and hospitality sold out days in advance, those fortunate enough to secure tickets were treated to an unrivalled day of speed, skill, and spectacle. From David’s iconic return to South Africa to the breath-taking performances from the world’s top motorsport talent, the Red Bull Showrun will be remembered as a landmark moment for motorsport enthusiasts.

For those who missed out, the roar of the RB7 and the cheers from the crowd have certainly left Sandton eagerly awaiting the next high-octane chapter – the return of Formula 1 to South Africa…fingers crossed!

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