After two F1 world titles and a great start to the 2023 season, Max Verstappen seems to be doing well.

In addition to the Grand Prix, the Dutch driver also has to work with the various players surrounding Red Bull, starting with Honda, the team’s engine manufacturer.

Thus, before the Miami Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was able to take control of the latest creation of the Japanese firm: the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer, a hybrid SUV from 800 hp tested at the Homestead-Miami racetrack, model p “small grip” depending on the pilot.

Briefly about the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer

As a reminder, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is a unique model that was formed and assembled by several divisions of the Japanese manufacturer under the leadership of Honda Performance Development (HPD) engineers. The lower section is made entirely of carbon fiber, distinguished by massive fenders and front butterfly doors that open into a race-oriented interior.

The back door doesn’t open, at least not in the way you’d expect. They are held in place by a hinged valve that provides access to the connected six-speed Xtrac transmission 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine placed where the second row seats would normally sit. The entire power unit develops a whopping 800 hp.

Instead of batteries, the CR-V Hybrid Racer uses a supercapacitor storage system that’s not exactly like what’s in a Lamborghini.

Soon on our production cars?

Honda is quick to call the whole experience a “rental laboratory”created to study various aspects of productivity and how electrification can fit into this equation.

Lessons learned from the CR-V Hybrid Racer can be applied to future racing projects, although Honda has no plans to take the model to the track just yet.