Channel24 editor Herman Eloff and Wheels24's Sean Parker reflect on the Red Bull Cape Town circuit event which saw ex-racing driver David Coulthard thrill thousands behind the wheel of an Formula 1 car.
Channel24's Herman Eloff shared his journey as a new Formula 1 fan, from novice to racing fundi: In January this year I didn't know my Coulthard from my Räikkönen. Leclerc from Ricciardo. That was until I discovered the Netflix show Formula One: Drive to Survive.
The 10-episode docu-series gives unprecedented access behind-the-scenes of the biggest single-seater auto race in the world and turned me from novice to rookie in a matter of months. Now, I don't miss a single Grand Prix weekend, have my favourite drivers that I root for, downloaded the F1 app, and follow all the teams on social media.
WATCH: Cape Town taxi vs Red Bull Formula 1 car
So, when Red Bull announced that they were bringing one of their beasts to the streets of Cape Town I knew I had to get in on the action. Joining forces with Wheels24 I got to experience the Red Bull Cape Town Circuit from a unique perspective that left me energised and buzzing (and that's not due to the energy drink).
Seeing all the action up-close only cemented my new obsession with everything Formula 1 related. What stood out most on the day was the absolute professionalism of the team behind Red Bull and their meticulous eye for detail.
David Coulthard brought with him an international aura that placed the Mother City on a world stage – and proudly so. As the machine roared through the streets of Cape Town the excitement was palpable.
The power of the engine vibrated through the grandstand outside City Hall as cheers of excitement was drowned out by the thundering noise that bounced off the high-risers and echoed through crowd-filled streets.
Wheels24's Sean Parker says: One of the items on my motoring bucket list is to watch a F1 race with my old man. So when I told him Red Bull were bringing their 2011 championship-winning car, the RB7, to Cape Town we couldn't contain our excitement.
I mean, this was the real thing. No hybrid, V6 turbo crap. Sitting in the front row witnessing the RB7 shoot up and down Darling Street was one helluva experience.
I took a couple of videos for our social media platforms and then stuffed my phone in my pocket and focused all my senses on experiencing the V8 engine rev to 18 000r/min.
The Renault engine's sound builds up like a tsunami, capturing everything in its path. A friend of mine, who lives on the footsteps of Table Mountain in Vredehoek, could hear the deep blast of the engine from his home.
Coulthard said he reached around 250km/h down the short stretch of asphalt, that shows you how brutally fast this car is.
It is an engrossing experience, one that I won't forget for a long time. The best part? I was able to share share the experience with my father.