Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has made a Red Bull appearance as four-time champion Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad took on a racing challenge in 12 cars from over 100 years in motorsport history.
The first challenge was ‘Acceleration’. With the line-up of 12 cars in front of them, the two drivers made their choices for the first challenge. Up first was Verstappen, who opted for the 2017 World Rally Championship-winning Ford Fiesta for the 250-metre drag strip run.
After taking the Fiesta, which has a top speed of 124mph and 380 horsepower, on a few warm-up laps, Verstappen lined up on the drag strip.
With a time of 6.96s from the Dutchman to beat, Lindblad got in the driver’s seat of his chosen car – the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. In comparison to the 2017 Fiesta chosen by Verstappen, the Boss 302 features 290 horsepower and a top speed of 137mph. Struggling to get used to the 1970 clutch, Lindblad posted a time of 14.78s.
The drivers had the chance to do the challenge again in their second choice of car. Verstappen’s choice was the one-of-a-kind 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Supertruck, with 2200 horsepower and a top speed of 190mph, and Lindblad went for the 1986 Ford RS200, with 450 horsepower and a top speed of 139mph.
Verstappen managed a time of 6.47s and Lindblad followed with a time of 8.37s. “To be honest, the choice of cars that I chose compared to him, I think on this kind of challenge, I would be disappointed if I lost the challenge with the cars that I had,” Verstappen said.
As part of a bonus challenge, Lindblad took the 1924 Ford Model T around the cornering circuit. Given the opportunity to gain two points, which would put him equal with Verstappen for the next challenge, he attempted to put in a lap time under three minutes. 2m22.46s later, and it was a level-playing field.
The second challenge was ‘Cornering’. Verstappen chose to make the most of the newest car in the line-up, the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, for the lap around the cornering circuit, which he completed in 37.81s. Following the Red Bull driver, Lindblad took on the challenge with the 1966 Ford GT40 Mk2. The 18-year-old completed the lap in 41.15s.
For the “Final Showdown’ the drivers went out on track at the same time, and the fastest lap would win. As Verstappen was leading into the final challenge, he had the first pick of cars, but he could not choose any car previously used during the day. His choice? The 2026 Ford Australian Supercar, with 600 horsepower and a top speed of 186mph.
Lindblad chose the 2025 Ford Mustang GT3 with 550 horsepower and a top speed of 144mph to go against Verstappen.
Before lining up for the final challenge, former Red Bull F1 driver Ricciardo made a surprise appearance. “As a race car driver, we’re not good at using clutches. At least a lot of us, coming from formula cars. So this is a relief for Arvid right now. He’s going to do great,” Ricciardo said. “My recollection of the V8 [in Verstappen’s Australian Supercar], I mean I drove an older generation, but that’ll be a little squirrely, I reckon. A little bit more Aussie power.”
Asked what Lindblad would need to do to go up against Verstappen, Ricciardo joked, “I mean, you’re going up against Max, so you need an ego that’s really big. All the confidence that you need.”
Lindblad beat Verstappen on the first lap with a time of 1m09.05s, over the Dutchman’s 1m11.23s.
After the second lap, it was Lindblad who was holding the trophy, finishing with a time of 1m03.10s with Verstappen’s best time being a 1m06.29s.
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
