F1
Too young, Max Verstappen banned from renting a Mercedes-AMG GT in Portugal
Incredulous, the Max! Photo DPPI
This is an unusual anecdote for the three-time world champion of Formula 1, Max Verstappen. The pilot Red Bull went to the Portimao circuit (Portugal) at the beginning of December in order to drive a Ferrari 296 GT3. The Dutchman made no secret of this test, unlike the mishap that befell him at Faro airport upon his arrival in Portugal.
While he had reserved a Mercedes-AMG GT 4 doors to go to the Portimao circuit, the rental agency Sixt gave it a clear refusal. Indeed, the German sedan is available for rental if the driver is at least 30 years old and has held a driving license for a significant period of time; these are the conditions for renting the most powerful cars in the catalog (435 horsepower in this case). Max Verstappen being only 26 years old, he did not meet all the criteria! He therefore left with a less powerful BMW 5 Series.
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The mishap was confirmed by the agency itself to the British newspaper The Sun. “The employees of our franchise partner in Portugal only followed the rules established for insurance reasons. There is of course no doubt about his driving skills and experience with powerful cars, Sixt concluded. From today, he can rent the car he wants from us at any time. »
It still seems surprising that a driver of the caliber of Max Verstappen does not have a loaner car when traveling. Unless the trip to Portimao to try the Ferrari 296 GT3 did not fall within the scope of his contract with Red Bull or other partners.
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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28/12/2023 at 12:06 a.m.
Not powerful enough, my son! would he have Jos with his son at the airport... Anyway, I find it normal that, whatever Max Verstappen he is, he pays the bill for his rental vehicles himself. Why should he benefit from a free means of transport when traveling privately??