Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, recently made headlines not for his F1 prowess but for a hilarious golf cart prank. A viral clip shows him startling his partner, Kelly Piquet, during the F1 summer break.
Why it matters:
This lighthearted moment offers a glimpse into Verstappen's relaxed state despite a challenging F1 season. It humanizes the intense competitor as he enjoys downtime with family and friends before the Dutch Grand Prix.
The big picture:
Verstappen is currently 97 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, facing his first likely failed title defense. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has even ruled him out of the championship fight. Despite this, Verstappen remains committed, confirming he will stay with Red Bull for the 2026 season and the new power unit regulations.
The details:
- The incident occurred during Verstappen's summer vacation, which included golf in Italy with friends and family.
- Porsche Formula E driver Antonio Felix da Costa shared the video.
- Verstappen, driving a golf cart with Piquet and her daughter as passengers, unexpectedly swerved off the path.
- This "overtake" maneuver prompted screams from Piquet and laughter from onlookers.