As the F1 Miami Grand Prix loomed on the horizon, Max Verstappen was given the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Honda CR-V Hybrid race car.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a one-off creation that Honda built as a rolling laboratory to explore the potential of electrification, energy management, and performance in racing. Boasting the same hybrid powertrain as the Honda IndyCar race car, this mighty machine packs a punch, with a jaw-dropping output of 596 kW of power.

Verstappen had a blast driving the CR-V Hybrid machine, and it’s easy to see why. The custom-built SUV has an eye-catching design, with butterfly doors and carbon-fibre elements that catch the eye. The windshield, windows, and sunroof come from a production-spec CR-V, while the chassis underneath is a custom tube frame. The front suspension and 15-inch Brembo brakes are borrowed from an NSX GT3 car, and the vehicle rides on 20-inch wheels that are 10.5 inches wide in front and 11 inches at the back.

As Verstappen got behind the wheel, he couldn’t resist doing some smokey burnouts, clearly enjoying the power at his fingertips. He also noted that the CR-V Hybrid Racer has impressive grip, allowing for tight turns and nimble handling. This vehicle is more than just a pretty face; it’s a serious racing machine that is sure to turn heads on the track.

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Honda is bringing the CR-V Hybrid Racer to several races during the 2023 IndyCar season, offering demonstrations to showcase the vehicle’s capabilities. It’s clear that Honda is pushing the envelope with this rolling laboratory, exploring the limits of what’s possible in the world of racing. For fans of high-performance vehicles and cutting-edge technology, the CR-V Hybrid Racer is sure to be a thrilling sight to behold!