When an F1 car challenges footballers: Red Bull takes on Leeds United

We had to dare. Red Bull did it. On the legendary Elland Road pitch, the young driver Formula 2 and Red Bull hopeful, Arvid Lindblad, swapped the circuits for a football pitch... for the duration of an unusual race against three players from Leeds United, recently promoted to the Premier League.

The idea? A “race” between a racing car Formula 1 – the 7 world champion RB2011 – and footballers launched at full speed from one goal to the other. A challenge born during a visit by the players to the Red Bull garage during the 2024 British Grand Prix. Seduced by the atmosphere, they launched this crazy idea: " What if we beat an F1 car… on our home turf? » With a few obstacles to slow it down, of course.

To represent the club, three players: Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt. Facing them, Lindblad in his car, equipped for the occasion with rain tires and faced with two major handicaps: the Elland Road grass and a 180° turn to be made at the level of the second penalty area.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

At the start, the players took the lead, taking advantage of the natural grip of their studs where the RB7 slipped. However, once underway, the Red Bull machine showed its power: Lindblad came back to the same height as the half-turn and, thanks to a fluid maneuver, finally won ahead of the footballers, under the amused eyes of the Leeds staff.

 

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« I was a little nervous before the start, admits Arvid Lindblad. I'd never driven on grass before, and honestly, I didn't know how it was going to go. This kind of challenge, only Red Bull can imagine it! It was really fun to push my limits in a way other than just competing against other drivers. »

On the Leeds side, Largie Ramazani does not hide her enthusiasm: “ It was amazing. If I could do that every day with Red Bull, I'd sign up right away! I love F1, I used to play video games when I was a kid, so to be next to a real car and racing against it was surreal. We raced well, but that car is just too fast. It's a shame Dan James (one of his teammates. Ed.) is injured, I'm sure he could have beaten it! »

Arvid Lindblad, Wilfried Gnonto, Isaac Schmidt and Largie Ramazani – Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Since May 2024, Red Bull has been a minority shareholder of Leeds United and has also become a shirt sponsor.

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