Australian Supercars Stars Conquer Formula 1 Power in RB7 Challenge at The Bend

The high-octane world of motorsport witnessed a compelling cross-discipline spectacle as Red Bull Supercars drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown took on a formidable five-lap challenge in the championship-winning Red Bull RB7 Formula 1 car. Hosted by former F1 and motorsport stalwarts Scott Speed and Brendon Hartley, the event at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia saw the Australian talents push the limits of both themselves and a legendary machine, ultimately shattering the West Circuit lap record.

The challenge was conceived by Red Bull as a unique opportunity to test the adaptability and raw skill of its leading Supercars drivers against the pinnacle of open-wheel racing technology. Broc Feeney, a rising star with Red Bull Ampol Racing (Triple Eight Race Engineering), and Will Brown, who raced for Erebus Motorsport in 2023 before his announced move to Triple Eight for 2024, were selected for this demanding assignment. Their task was to navigate the 3.4-kilometer West Circuit, a segment of the larger Bend Motorsport Park, in a car renowned for its blistering speed and complex aerodynamics.

Broc Feeney, at just 21 years old, has rapidly established himself as a front-runner in the Repco Supercars Championship. In the 2023 season, Feeney secured multiple victories and consistently contended for podium finishes, solidifying his position as a future championship threat. His aggressive yet precise driving style has drawn comparisons to some of Supercars’ legends. Will Brown, 27, also enjoyed a career-best 2023 season, claiming three victories and demonstrating formidable pace and race craft. His transition to Triple Eight for the upcoming season underscores his growing stature within the sport. Both drivers possess extensive experience in powerful, V8-powered touring cars, but the transition to a lightweight, high-downforce Formula 1 machine presents a vastly different set of demands.

Guiding the Supercars duo through this unprecedented experience were two highly decorated Red Bull alumni. Scott Speed, an American racer with a diverse career spanning Formula 1, NASCAR, and rallycross, provided insights from his own time in F1. Brendon Hartley, a New Zealander, brought invaluable expertise as a former F1 driver for Toro Rosso and a two-time FIA World Endurance Champion and Le Mans winner, often driving prototype sports cars that share more aerodynamic principles with F1 than Supercars do. Their presence ensured a blend of technical guidance and psychological support for Feeney and Brown.

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At the heart of the challenge was the Red Bull RB7, a car etched into the annals of Formula 1 history. The RB7, designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, was the dominant force of the 2011 F1 season. Piloted by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, the V8-powered machine secured an astounding 12 victories out of 19 races, alongside 27 podium finishes. This unparalleled performance delivered the Constructors’ Championship title to the Milton Keynes outfit and propelled Sebastian Vettel to his second of four consecutive Drivers’ Championships. The RB7’s technical specifications, though now part of F1’s V8 era history, represent a pinnacle of engineering from its time. Powered by a Renault RS27 V8 engine, it produced around 750 horsepower in a car weighing approximately 640 kg (including driver), equipped with advanced aerodynamics, KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), and highly sophisticated electronic aids. Its immense grip, braking capabilities, and instantaneous throttle response set it apart from virtually any other racing vehicle. The car has since become a cherished piece of Red Bull Racing’s heritage, frequently featured in show runs with drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson, and David Coulthard demonstrating its enduring potency.

The atmosphere at The Bend Motorsport Park was charged with anticipation as Feeney and Brown prepared for their maiden laps in the RB7. A playful rock-paper-scissors match determined the running order, with Feeney securing the first stint. As he settled into the notoriously compact cockpit, Feeney’s initial reaction underscored the physical reality of an F1 car, remarking on the confined space. This initial observation highlighted the immediate sensory overload and the significant ergonomic differences from a Supercar, which offers a comparatively more spacious cabin.

Feeney’s adaptation to the RB7 was remarkably swift. His first timed lap on the 3.4km West Circuit clocked in at 1 minute, 11.3 seconds, an impressive benchmark given the unfamiliarity with the car’s extreme characteristics. Over his allotted five laps, Feeney meticulously refined his lines, braking points, and throttle application, progressively shaving time off his previous efforts. The sheer G-forces generated by the RB7’s cornering and braking capabilities were evident in his post-run comments. Upon returning to the garage, a visibly exhilarated and physically drained Feeney exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, that’s so fun, thank you. I’m so sore," a testament to the immense physical demands of controlling such a powerful and responsive machine. His best lap ultimately registered an astonishing 1 minute, 6.6 seconds, a time that not only showcased his raw talent but also decisively lowered the circuit’s existing lap record.

Next, it was Will Brown’s turn to experience the RB7. His initial moments in the cockpit provided a stark reminder of the unique operational procedures of an F1 car. Brown inquired about the "start button," only to be reminded that the RB7, like many F1 cars, does not feature a conventional ignition button, relying instead on a complex sequence of procedures managed by the engineers. His first lap presented immediate challenges, including stalling the car and experiencing a lock-up at the first corner, a common occurrence for drivers transitioning to the ultra-sensitive brakes and immense power delivery of an F1 car. However, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability inherent in top-tier racers, Brown quickly composed himself. As he accumulated more laps, his confidence grew, and he began to unlock the RB7’s potential. He systematically improved his lap times, finding his rhythm and pushing the car closer to its limits. Brown’s best effort concluded with a respectable 1 minute, 7.9 seconds, a testament to his rapid learning curve and inherent speed.

The final comparison of lap times underscored Feeney’s slight edge on this occasion, with his 1:06.6s being 1.3 seconds faster than Brown’s 1:07.9s. Both performances, however, represented an extraordinary achievement, particularly given the minimal track time and the stark differences between a Supercar and an F1 machine.

The significance of this challenge extends beyond mere lap times. It serves as a vivid illustration of the distinct engineering philosophies and driving techniques required across different motorsport disciplines. Supercars, while powerful with their 600+ horsepower V8 engines, are heavier (around 1395 kg minimum weight including driver), rely more on mechanical grip, and feature less sophisticated aerodynamics compared to Formula 1 cars. Drivers must be adept at managing tire degradation, engaging in close-quarters racing, and often employing a more aggressive, sliding style. An F1 car like the RB7, conversely, is a masterclass in aerodynamic efficiency, generating colossal downforce that allows for incredible cornering speeds and immense braking forces. The precision required to extract performance from an F1 car, managing its sensitive throttle, intricate braking, and high-speed aero balance, demands a different approach to weight transfer and line selection. The sheer physical G-forces in an F1 car are also far greater, particularly through high-speed corners and under braking, placing extreme demands on a driver’s neck and core strength.

Red Bull’s long-standing commitment to fostering talent and creating engaging motorsport content was prominently showcased through this event. The brand has a history of identifying and nurturing drivers across various categories, from junior formulae to endurance racing and rally. Events like the RB7 challenge not only provide invaluable experience for its contracted drivers but also generate significant interest, bridging the gap between different fan bases and demonstrating the universal appeal of elite motorsport. The ability of Supercars stars like Feeney and Brown to adapt so quickly and effectively to an F1 car underscores the depth of talent within the Australian motorsport landscape and the transferable skills possessed by top-tier professional drivers, regardless of their primary discipline. This unique convergence of talent and machinery at The Bend Motorsport Park provided a memorable spectacle, reaffirming the thrill and challenge at the heart of competitive racing.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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