The world is used to seeing F1 cars on the racetrack. Red Bull Racing cars, however, have a habit of appearing where no one expects them. This summer, one of them made a series of surprise appearances at some of Croatia’s most remarkable locations, leaving people amazed, excited, and often unsure whether they could believe what they were seeing.
I have photographed similar projects in many unusual settings, yet they never become ordinary. No matter how memorable the previous shoot was, the next one feels just as extraordinary because the sight itself remains so unexpected. An F1 car on a ferry, beside a public landmark, or within the walls of an ancient city is something people simply do not encounter every day.
That contrast is what makes these shoots so enjoyable. The car is always visually striking, but the reactions of the people around it brings the entire scene to life. Some stop in surprise, others immediately reach for their phones, while many simply stare. Nobody remains indifferent.
The first stop was Zadar, where the F1 car was positioned beside the Greeting to the Sun, a circular solar installation located at the western end of the city’s waterfront, next to the Sea Organ. During the day, the installation collects solar energy and transforms it into a colourful light display after sunset. As evening approached, its illuminated surface created a perfect setting for the distinctive colours of the Red Bull Racing car.
The journey continued in Split, where passengers boarding a Jadrolinija ferry were met with an unexpected sight among the rows of everyday vehicles: a Formula 1 car. Lower, long, and unlike anything else on board, it immediately attracted attention during the 50-minute crossing to the island of Brač.
The final setting was the Old City of Dubrovnik. A modern racing machine capable of reaching speeds of around 300 kilometres per hour looked almost surreal against the medieval character and powerful defensive walls of the historic city centre. The contrast between centuries-old stone architecture and advanced Formula 1 engineering made this one of the most unusual scenes of the entire tour.
The Croatian journey was only a preview of the Red Bull Showrun spectacle taking place in Zagreb on September 27, 2026. Former Formula 1 driver and 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard will take the wheel, joined by other guests and vehicles from the world of motorsport.
The only question left is: where will the F1 car appear next?