Milton Keynes — Red Bull’s bold return to NASCAR sponsorship in 2025, backing young phenom Connor Zilisch and Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen, underscores the energy drink giant’s renewed commitment to American motorsport. What a week for Red Bull it has been across motorsport.
Zilisch, an 18-year-old Trackhouse Racing development driver, and van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, carry Red Bull’s iconic branding in select NASCAR Cup Series races. Zilisch debuted in the No. 87 Chevrolet at Circuit of the Americas, while van Gisbergen sports Red Bull colors in five races, including Las Vegas and Daytona. The partnership, announced in January 2025, marks Red Bull’s first significant NASCAR involvement since 2011, aiming to leverage the duo’s talent to boost the brand’s presence.
Last month, Connor Zilisch showcased his rising star status at a Red Bull feature event at Salzburg Airport’s Hangar-7 in Austria, joining F1 champion Max Verstappen and MotoGP’s Dani Pedrosa. The event, celebrating Red Bull’s motorsport legacy, saw Zilisch display his No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet, drawing global attention. His appearance alongside Verstappen highlighted Red Bull’s strategy to promote its athletes across disciplines, with Zilisch’s Xfinity Series win at COTA and van Gisbergen’s road course prowess amplifying the brand’s NASCAR ambitions.
Last weekend, Shane van Gisbergen swept Chicago by taking pole in the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series races, en route to a pair of victories. The New Zealand native pulled a late-race move Saturday on teammate Connor Zilisch during a restart, which helped propel him to the checkered flag.
The pair of road course ringers will look to duel again at Sonoma this weekend. Catch the race on the CW Network on Saturday!
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Red Bull Racing’s F1 team principal Christian Horner was sacked after 20 years, following a dismal 2025 constructors’ championship performance.
The Milton Keynes-based team, trailing McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, struggled despite Verstappen’s brilliance. Horner’s exit, a shock to the F1 world, has minimal direct impact on Red Bull’s NASCAR program, as sponsorship budgets for Zilisch and van Gisbergen are managed separately. However, the shakeup could influence Red Bull’s broader motorsport strategy, potentially tightening budgets if F1 restructuring demands more resources.
Speculation about Verstappen’s possible 2026 move to Mercedes adds intrigue. Should Verstappen depart, Red Bull may double down on its NASCAR investment, reminiscent of its 2007-2011 Cup Series stint with drivers like Brian Vickers. Increased backing for Connor Zilisch, who crashed out at COTA but showed promise, and Shane van Gisbergen, who won in Chicago, could elevate Trackhouse’s profile. As Red Bull navigates F1’s turmoil, its NASCAR commitment remains a bright spot, with Zilisch and van Gisbergen poised to carry the brand forward in the Cup Series.
In the meantime, it’s fun to speculate. With Red Bull Racing in full on turmoil on the F1 side at the moment, could we see an FP1 stint for either of their stock car sponsored drivers?
Perhaps in one of the November / December stints of races?
Only time will tell.
Social Media reacts to stunning news of Christian Horner being sacked at Red Bull.
Christian Horner is out at Red Bull.
