It seems that being a three-time Formula 1 world champion doesn’t get you a leg up on the rental automotive counter, as Max Verstappen not too long ago realized when on trip in Portugal. As reported by The Sun, Verstappen’s household and associates arrived in Algarve on three totally different personal jets, having booked 20 rental automobiles by Sixt with the intent to drive to the Algarve International Circuit (also called Portimão), which Verstappen had rented out for 2 days.
When the Dutch world champion arrived on the Sixt counter, he was informed that he couldn’t drive the Mercedes-AMG GT that he had reserved for himself as a result of he was too younger. Sixt’s insurance coverage coverage for the GT requires that drivers be 30 years previous, and Verstappen is just 26. His supervisor ended up taking the GT, whereas Verstappen needed to make do with a BMW 5 Series. Says The Sun,
A supply mentioned: “Max and the group went to Portugal for a fun racing trip and had booked the cars they wanted.
“When they got to the airport, Max was shocked when he was told he wasn’t allowed to drive the Mercedes he wanted.
“He’s a seasoned F1 driver who’s used to handling powerful cars, so it’s quite astonishing to think he wasn’t allowed to get behind the wheel of this one — but those are the rules, so he abided by them.”
This is particularly humorous when you think about that Verstappen gained his first F1 race on the age of 18, and the F1 automobiles he pilots are a lot quicker and require far more ability than the AMG GT. In a press release to The Sun, the rental firm acknowledged Max’s expertise, however reiterated that they need to comply with the principles regardless of who the driving force is:
A Sixt spokesman mentioned: “The employees of our franchise partner in Portugal have only followed the rules that arise for insurance reasons. In order to find a customer-friendly solution on site, Mr Verstappen was provided with another premium vehicle.
“However, there can be special circumstances that justify a deviation from rules. This is such a case. We apologise to Mr Verstappen. He can rent the car he wants from us at any time.
“There is of course no doubt at all about his driving skills and his experience with powerful cars.”
It’s unclear whether or not Verstappen deliberate to take the AMG and the opposite rental automobiles on the observe — that will probably even be a violation of Sixt’s insurance coverage coverage. I’m certain he had an exquisite vacation regardless.
Source: jalopnik.com