Cars

Red Bull puts rally driver in F1 car to see how fast he can go in just 10 laps

Published on Jan 09, 2026 at 8:10 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Jan 09, 2026 at 8:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Both a rally driver and a Formula 1 driver undergo similar challenges when competing in races, and this rally driver decided to see just how quickly he could speed in a Red Bull F1 car.

He had just 10 laps to see what speed he could reach in the finely-tuned vehicle, and the engine certainly did not disappoint.

From brake control to G-force, he had to get to grips with a brand new handling system – fast.

The big question on everyone’s lips, though, is just how quickly he could really complete a lap.

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From the rally track to the Formula 1 track – this driver had a switch-up

Two-time rally world champion Kalle Rovanperä decided to take on the ultimate challenge and set a top speed record in 10 laps, but there was a catch.

Instead of a dirt track, he was set to take to a Formula 1 track and try his hand at controlling a Red Bull F1 car.

Red Bull puts rally driver in F1 car to see how fast he can go in just 10 laps
Red Bull Motorsports

But before getting into the F1 car, he decided to learn the ropes in an F4 car to somewhat ease him into the experience.

Rovanperä was taught how to start the car and where each of the controls was located on the steering wheel before testing a few laps to get his bearings.

Red Bull puts rally driver in F1 car to see how fast he can go in just 10 laps
Red Bull Motorsports

The rally driver was going from strength to strength, and soon after setting off in the F4 car, the time came to take on the real deal.

It was a race against time – how quickly could Kalle drive in the F1 car?

Well, the saying is true, Red Bull really does give you wings.

On the final lap, it was time for the rally driver to give it his all.

Red Bull puts rally driver in F1 car to see how fast he can go in just 10 laps
Red Bull Motorsports

After learning all the basics and whipping around the track, he managed to ride off into the sunset and achieve an impressive lap time of 01:15:680.

“I finally got to drive the F1 car – it was an unbelievable experience,” said Kalle.

Not bad for a first attempt.

You can catch Kalle and the F1 car in action at the top of the page.

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Grace started her career writing about the weird and wonderful for the international press. She's covered everything from lifestyle to sports and hard news and now finds herself pursuing her main interest - cars. She's loved cars from a young age and has a keen interest in luxury travel too.