Red Bull Brings 500 Cars to 'Tokyo Drift'! : TechGoggles

Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad seen during the unveiling of the special VCARB livery reveal at Red Bull Tokyo Drift in Japan on March 21, 2026. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603210030 // Usage for editorial use only //

In a fusion of Formula 1 technology and traditional Japanese automotive culture, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) team officially revealed a one-off livery for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. The unveiling took place on 21 March during the Red Bull Tokyo Drift event, held in a neon-lit warehouse in Yokohama.

The event, which drew nearly 5,000 fans and 500 display cars, served as a high-octane prelude to the race at Suzuka scheduled for 28–30 March.

A Collaboration of Sport and Art

The “VCARB 03” features a unique white-and-red aesthetic inspired by the Red Bull Spring Edition. The design was created in collaboration with renowned Japanese calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi, known for her work at the 2020 Japan National Stadium opening.

Aoyagi’s design incorporates traditional shodo brushwork to represent the movement of cherry blossoms. “Calligraphy captures motion in a single stroke,” Aoyagi noted, stating she aimed for a design that felt “powerful, elegant, and alive.”

High-Stakes Reveal

The livery was revealed in dramatic fashion. Four-time world drift champion Michael “Mad Mike” Whiddett piloted a custom-built Red Bull Drift Mini through a purpose-built course, stripping the cover off the VCARB 03 as he slid past the crowd.

Drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were in attendance to view the car they will pilot at Suzuka.

Liam Lawson (24): The New Zealander expressed his affinity for the local car culture, comparing the atmosphere to the film Tokyo Drift.
Arvid Lindblad (18): The British rookie, preparing for his third F1 start, highlighted the technical challenges of the “iconic and flowing” Suzuka circuit.

“I think drifting is one of the coolest cultures from Japan… I hope we can keep this culture going for a long time, and I think this event will boost that.” — Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Reserve Driver

Cars lined up during the unveiling of the special VCARB livery reveal at the Red Bull Tokyo Drift in Japan on March 21, 2026. // Maruo Kono / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603210204 // Usage for editorial use only //

Celebrating Japanese Car Culture

The event showcased the breadth of Japan’s motorsport influence, featuring legends and modern stars across multiple disciplines:

Keiichi Tsuchiya & Manabu Orido: Pioneers of the 1980s and 90s drifting scenes.
Katsuta Takamoto: Japan’s leading WRC driver, who demonstrated the handling differences of his 4WD GR Yaris Rally1 compared to traditional RWD drift cars.
Hiroya Minowa: The rising Japanese drift star who gave F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda a passenger-seat experience in the rebuilt Drift Mini.

Hiroya Minowa and Mad Mike seen during the Red Bull Tokyo Drift in Japan on March 21, 2026. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603210251 // Usage for editorial use only //

Where to See the Car Next

For fans who missed the Yokohama event, the VCARB car will be making public appearances leading up to the Grand Prix:

23 March: Static display at the SHIBUYA109 Entrance Event Space.

The Visa Cash App Racing Bulls will hit the track at Suzuka on 28 March, sporting the calligraphy-inspired livery for the duration of the race weekend.