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Formula 1 returns from its three-week summer break this weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix, which just so happens to be the home race for two-time defending champion and series Max Verstappen.
But Verstappen may have other things on his mind after a report that he could face an investigation from French police over reckless driving while on summer break.
The incident stems from a video of Verstappen driving an Aston Martin Valkyrie through a tunner in Nice, France.
Even during summer break Max is driving a Newey spaceship😭 pic.twitter.com/9qAMW0agSB
— Enzo (@Aperta) August 19, 2023
The Valkyrie is a hypercar designed by Aston Martin and Red Bull F1 chief technical officer Adrian Newey. Newey is one of the sport’s most legendary car designers.
The vehicle, which starts at $3.5 million price, can produce over 1,100 horse and goes from zero-to-60-mph in just 2.5 seconds. It’s also capable of speeds up 220 miles per hour. That speed is electronically limited for consumer safety.
Verstappen eclipsed 120 kilometers an hour in the video. But the speed limit in the tunnel was reportedly just 90 kilometers per hour according to French newspaper Nice-Matin.
He’s also seen wearing headphones over his ears in the video.
This is because “The car is so loud and so brash that every Aston Martin Valkyrie comes with a helicopter grade noise canceling headset to prevent damage to your eardrums,” according to the Aston Martin Valkyrie promotional site.
So, what does this all mean for Verstappen?
The paper reports that he cannot be prosecuted for speeding because his speed was not recorded in an official capacity. However, due to the video he could face charges for endangering the lives of others.
French police have not yet issued an official statement on the matter, and it seems unlikely that the F1 star will face any real repercussions. But it’s not exactly the best look for someone with access to plenty of private places to drive.