Red Bull is known for organizing show runs featuring its F1 cars around the world, often using older-generation models with the much-loved V8 engines. Earlier this month, Yuki Tsunoda, who drives for RB took the RB8 out for a spin in Taichung, Taiwan, when it unexpectedly caught fire.
Tsunoda, in a Red Bull race suit, was performing donuts for the fans in attendance when the RB8 caught fire. A flame was seen on the engine cover, though the exact cause remains unclear.
Red Bull used the RB8 during the 2012 season. The car’s 2.4L naturally aspirated V8 engine helped Sebastian Vettel secure the drivers’ title, while Red Bull clinched the constructors’ championship. However, the engine wasn’t known for its reliability and frequently blew up. With a rev limit of 18,000 rpm, the V8 was highly sensitive to heat, making it prone to issues like this.
Today’s 1.6L V6 F1 engines can idle for well over a minute without overheating, but that wasn’t the case for the 2012 power units like the one used in the RB8. Those engines required more airflow to cool down. Tsunoda likely pushed the RB8 beyond its heat tolerance, as the car wasn’t moving fast enough to create the necessary ram-air effect to cool the internals effectively.
Despite the mishap, Tsunoda managed to pull off some impressive donuts before the car gave out, even creating a heart shape for the fans.
Red Bull frequently uses the RB8 for its promotional events and show runs. This iconic car was featured in a Red Bull video where it raced against the Bath Rugby team and was most recently showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
