On March 14th, Downtown Phoenix will experience an exciting spectacle as Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing stage the Red Bull Showrun outside the Phoenix Suns’ arena on Jefferson Street. This high-powered event will occur directly alongside the arenas for the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing the roar of F1 engines into the city’s core for a unique demonstration of speed and engineering.
The Red Bull Showrun offers local sports fans an immersive chance to witness the electrifying performance of an F1 car without the barriers of a formal race, symbolizing an expansion of Formula 1’s presence in the United States market.
A Return to Formula 1 in Downtown Phoenix After More Than Three Decades
Phoenix last hosted Formula 1 on March 10, 1991, when a temporary street circuit downtown held a Grand Prix event. After 35 years, Formula 1 is returning, not for competitive racing but as a powerful cultural moment. This return parallels Formula 1’s growing U.S. popularity and investment, marked by increased fan interest and corporate backing across the country.
6/4/89 – Phoenix hosted Formula One for the 1st time, a 3-day event culminating in the Iceberg PHX Grand Prix which Frenchman Alain Prost won by 39.696 over Italian Riccardo Patrese. 31,441 watched live, The 81-lap race ended at 75 because of the mandatory 2hr limit (2:1:33.133). pic.twitter.com/NxkPdHVd5Y
— Arizona Sports History (@AZSportsHistory) June 4, 2025
Engaging Fans Through an Up-Close F1 Experience on City Streets
The Red Bull Showrun invites fans who may never attend a full Grand Prix to feel the F1 excitement firsthand with free, curbside access in downtown Phoenix. By positioning the car outside major sports venues like the Suns’ and Diamondbacks’ homes, the event connects local fans to the global sport and creates a shared sense of energy across different sporting communities.
As Red Bull Racing’s F1 cars have appeared outside these arenas during recent games, their presence has sparked enthusiasm and fascination among supporters, fusing motorsport excitement with Phoenix’s vibrant local sports scene.
The Visual Impact of Formula 1 Blending with Phoenix’s Urban Landscape
Witnessing the sleek, powerful F1 cars speeding down Jefferson Street with the professional stadiums as a backdrop creates striking imagery that cities often use to build powerful branding campaigns. This moment demonstrates how a single street can offer a dynamic global statement, encapsulating innovation and speed at an intense 13,000 revolutions per minute.
Theres a @redbullracing F1 car outside of the Suns Arena! #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/QuyNI8jQwD
— Aryton T (@FreckledMamba) February 27, 2026
Continuing the Legacy of Formula 1’s Presence Across North America
Formula 1’s footprint in North America has grown, with notable events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Montreal’s Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve drawing attention. Drivers such as Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda have been key figures in maturing this interest, competing in iconic venues and elevating the sport’s profile among fans.
Connecting Sports Fans Across Phoenix’s Major Teams
By staging this event near the Suns Arena, the Red Bull Showrun also bridges different sports communities in Phoenix. For example, the connection between basketball followers and motorsport enthusiasts gains depth through shared experiences around the arenas, enhancing fan engagement and community excitement.
Phoenix Suns fans show love to Jamaree Bouyea following his standard NBA contract signing
Symbolizing Growth and Future Prospects for Formula 1 in Phoenix
This Red Bull Showrun signals Formula 1’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in the United States, using accessible events that bring fans closer to the sport’s thrill. As Formula 1 continues to expand beyond traditional circuits, these local demonstrations highlight Phoenix’s potential as an important part of the growing American motorsport landscape.
The event introduces more residents to the exhilaration of F1, sets the stage for future possible races, and enhances the city’s reputation as a versatile hub for major sports occasions.
Theres a @redbullracing F1 car outside of the Suns Arena! #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/QuyNI8jQwD
— Aryton T (@FreckledMamba) February 27, 2026
6/4/89 – Phoenix hosted Formula One for the 1st time, a 3-day event culminating in the Iceberg PHX Grand Prix which Frenchman Alain Prost won by 39.696 over Italian Riccardo Patrese. 31,441 watched live, The 81-lap race ended at 75 because of the mandatory 2hr limit (2:1:33.133). pic.twitter.com/NxkPdHVd5Y
— Arizona Sports History (@AZSportsHistory) June 4, 2025
