The Fastest Road in Leeds? Welcome to Elland Road
Elland Road might be best known as the home of Leeds United FC, but it recently played host to one of the most unexpected and thrilling “races” in modern motorsport-meets-football history. And with a name like that, how could we not feature it?
In a unique twist, the legendary football pitch was transformed into a short track for a drag-style showdown: three of Leeds’ fastest players—Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, and Isaac Schmidt—raced head-to-head against a Red Bull Racing F1 car, the RB7, steered by F2 driver Arvid Lindblad. The race stretched from one penalty box to the other and back, complete with a 180-degree turn—on grass, no less.
It was close at first. The footballers sprinted off with the early advantage, while the RB7 struggled for grip on the slippery turf. But once the Red Bull machine found its footing (or rather, its traction), it surged ahead, proving that even on grass, horsepower matters.
Born out of a casual conversation during a visit to the 2024 British Grand Prix, this crossover event between football and Formula 1 was backed by Red Bull, now a part-owner and shirt sponsor of Leeds United. While it might not be your typical mountain pass or coastal cliff road, Elland Road has now earned its place as one of the most unexpected venues where speed, skill, and spectacle collided.
Tip: Want to experience Elland Road for yourself? While you can’t drive an F1 car across the pitch (not yet, anyway), catching a game here or taking a stadium tour will give you a taste of the atmosphere—and maybe even a little inspiration for your next race… in sneakers or on wheels.
Pic: https://www.leedsunited.com/en/news/leeds-united-players-take-on-oracle-red-bull-racing-f1-car-in-drag-race-at