Just before the weekend’s Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Formula 1 leader Lando Norris was swept up in Tokyo’s vibrant car culture. In collaboration with Monster Energy and tuning legends Liberty Walk, Norris took the wheel of a heavily modified Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R and embarked on an unofficial night drive through the city’s neon-lit streets.

Watch the video here

The car – an LB-Kaido Works R32 – is anything but subtle. With an extremely wide body kit inspired by the 70s and 80s Kaido Racer aesthetic, sharp lines, and a loud attitude, it set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The price for the body kit alone is around £30,000 – excluding the donor car – signaling that we are in the top tier of the custom world.

On rain-soaked asphalt and glistening lights from Shibuya to Yokohama’s industrial port areas, Norris showcased his versatility behind the wheel. Drifts, tight corners, and precise control were captured on video and shared as an official production by Monster Energy – a tribute to the deepest roots of Japan’s tuning scene.

But the stunt was not just about speed. It was about respect. About meeting a culture where cars are not just vehicles, but identity, freedom, and creativity. Lando Norris, usually accustomed to cutting-edge Formula 1 machines, seemed in this context like a natural part of Tokyo’s car scene – both as a racer and a car enthusiast.

The project came about as part of the McLaren driver’s collaboration with Monster Energy and Liberty Walk, but it felt more like a love letter than a sponsorship stunt. Norris’ commitment emphasized that the soul of motorsport is not only found on official tracks but also on rain-soaked streets, where the passion for speed and machines lives in its purest form.

After the drive, Norris returned to Suzuka – ready to defend his lead in the World Championship, but now with another unforgettable experience under his belt.