The Drivers Parade is always a popular feature of Grand Prix Sunday. Max Verstappen and the rest will be driving around the circuit in convoy so that the fans have an additional opportunity to see and photograph their idols moving at a more leisurely pace shortly before the start of the race itself. This year’s drivers’ parade will be a very special event – not only for the fans, but also for the f1 drivers – because in 2023, the drivers in the highest echelon of the sport will be take their seats in historic Steyr-Puch Haflingers.
This vehicle enjoys cult status. It is powered by a two-cylinder engine producing up to 27 hp. To this day, the Steyr-Puch Haflinger is considered one of the toughest and most powerful off-road cars of all time. F1 world champion and leading contender for this year’s title Max Verstappen will drive around the Red Bull Ring in an orange Steyr-Puch Haflinger. The paintjob of the other cars will also accord with the colours of the F1 teams. No effort was spared in the run-up to the event: a sky blue Steyr-Puch Haflinger travelled a full 500 miles from Switzerland to Spielberg.
The history of the Steyr-Puch Haflinger
This cult vehicle derives its name from the famous Haflinger mountain horse breed. The first prototype was built in 1955, and four years later the vehicle went into series production. Between 1959 and 1974, almost 17,000 cars were produced and sold in 110 countries. Today, Steyr-Puch Haflingers can be found in the collections of many classic car enthusiasts.
Technical data:
The four-wheel drive off-road vehicle was produced in different variants, mainly for the Austrian Federal Army and the Swiss Army.
Engine: Rear-mounted two-cylinder boxer
Displacement: 643 cc
Power range: 22 to 27 horsepower
Drive: Four-wheel
Gearbox: Synchronised four-speed manual with reverse gear
