Verstappen blasts Red Bull RB8 around Hangar-7 for reopening

The event transformed the airport runway into a live-action motorsport stage, with Verstappen putting on a demonstration run in the Red Bull RB8, the car that won the 2012 F1 Constructors’ Championship.

Verstappen was joined by an all-star line-up that included MotoGP legend Dani Pedrosa, Dakar Rally competitor Daniel Sanders, and NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch at the Hangar-7 location..

The demonstration featured doughnuts, drag races, and high-speed runs, with machinery on display including the WRC M-Sport Ford Puma, the Dakar-spec Ford Raptor T1+, and a KTM MotoGP bike.

Verstappen said: “I've been quite often to Hangar-7 over my life so to me, it is a bit of a homecoming every time. There is always a lot going on, a lot of cool activities, helicopters, planes, cars. Motorsport and sport comes together here.

“It is always quite enjoyable when we can do something together across sports, and to do a drag race with all these different kinds of cars was very cool to witness," added Red Bull's four-time F1 World Champion.

The reopening celebration also included an airshow from The Flying Bulls, live music, and performances by Red Bull’s international athletes. Guests were treated to culinary presentations from Hangar-7’s award-winning chefs, reflecting the venue’s unique blend of art, cuisine, aviation, and sport.

The event paid tribute to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, whose vision was to create a venue that combines innovation, inspiration, and entertainment.

Hangar-7 remains a showcase of Red Bull’s multifaceted world, from motorsport to aviation, and a gathering place for talent across disciplines.

The Red Bull RB8 that Verstappen drove on the occasion is one of the most iconic Formula 1 cars of the early 2010s, delivering both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships in the 2012 season.

Designed by Adrian Newey, it was built to adapt to a changing regulatory landscape, including the banning of exhaust-blown diffusers and the introduction of stepped noses.

Despite these limitations, the RB8 proved highly competitive, taking seven victories and eight pole positions across 20 races. Sebastian Vettel used the car to win his third consecutive title, while Red Bull sealed their third straight Constructors’ crown.

The RB8 was notable for its technical innovation, including a controversial slot in the nose cone and rear floor designs that drew close scrutiny from the FIA. Though some solutions were eventually outlawed or modified, the RB8’s performance remained strong throughout the season.

Its legacy endures as a symbol of Red Bull Racing’s dominance and engineering ingenuity during Formula 1’s V8 era.