The three-time Formula 1 champion had to settle for a BMW that can reach speeds of 250 km/h
Max Verstappen is used to driving at more than 300 km/h and was even considered the best driver of the year by ‘AutoSport’. However, not even that helped the Dutch driver to rent a Mercedes AMG GT, during his stay in the Algarve, since rules are rules and, secondly, the rent-a-car ‘Sixt’, Verstappen is “too young”.
According to ‘The Sun’, the 26-year-old Formula 1 world champion had to be 30 years old to be able to drive the car he wanted. Instead of the Mercedes that reaches 315 km/h, which ended up being driven by his agent, Verstappen had to settle for a BMW that can reach 250 km/h.
“When he arrived at the airport he was shocked when they told him he couldn’t drive the Mercedes he wanted. He’s an experienced Formula 1 driver who is used to dealing with powerful cars, so it’s unbelievable to think they wouldn’t let him drive that one. But Those were the rules and we ended up obeying them,” a source told ‘The Sun’.
The same source contacted the rent-a-car company at Faro Airport, which ended up apologizing to Verstappen and even reprimanding the Algarve airport employees for not having made an exception.
“Sixt employees in Portugal only followed the rules that were created for insurance reasons. In order to find a solution at the moment, we provided Mr. Verstappen with another top vehicle. However, there are special situations that may justify a deviation from rules. This was one of those cases. We apologize to Mr. Verstappen. He can rent the car he wants at any time. We have no doubts about his ability and experience to drive cars like this”, said a source from ‘Sixt’.
Max Verstappen was in Portugal this week, testing a Ferrari 296 GT3, a car from the team he owns and which competes in the DTM championship, at the Portimão circuit.
2023-12-24 16:39:00
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