Max Verstappen got behind the wheel of an all-electric Honda e:Ny1 to stun a group of budding young go-kart racers with a surprise meeting ahead of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 season.
Offering a departure from the three-time F1 World Champion’s Honda RBPTH002 1.6l V6 Hybrid PU powered Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20, the e:Ny1 delivers up to 412km WLTP approved range, an interior designed for comfort and ease of living, and a simple to operate powertrain – making it the perfect everyday vehicle.
Silently whisking him from the Red Bull Technologies Campus to a local indoor go-kart circuit, Verstappen watched the young racers on track, before taking the time to offer his advice and share memories from the early days of his own motorsport career.
“To be here at the kart track to see the younger kids race, and trying to get into the racing world, is really great to see,” said Verstappen. “It was great to see their smiles and it’s always great to interact with race fans.”
Watch a behind-the-scenes video here and stay tuned to Honda’s European social media channels in the coming weeks to see the full film of Verstappen’s surprise visit.
“It was so surprising, and just such a good experience,” added Emeli Jordan. “I kind of thought it would be someone from Red Bull, not necessarily a driver, like an engineer or someone, but not Max Verstappen. I was completely speechless; I had no idea what to say!”
Sid Smith added: “It was such a surprise to come round the corner and see Max Verstappen. It’s always been a dream to meet him. It was absolutely awesome. And I got a signed hat as well, so it was definitely a day to remember.”
The 2024 season marks 20 years of Oracle Red Bull Racing, and sixty years since Honda’s first participation in Formula 1, when the RA271 made its competitive debut at the 1964 German GP.
Powered by Honda RBPT’s leading PU technology, Oracle Red Bull Racing will be aiming to secure its fourth consecutive Drivers’ and third consecutive Constructors’ World Championship titles when the season gets under way in Bahrain from 29 February.
