I managed to work out what to do eventually by channelling my inner carmageddon 2 knowledge of driving cars to the top of things, fun short (but large) prototype that I could see being expanded on with potential movement tech/upgrades as you work your way over the land. And yes I chugged the red vial.
I would say I wish there was a confirm to exit because I wanted to take more screenshots but hit 2 instead of 1 by mistake T_T.