Verstappen explains “absurd” F1 sim in private jet story
Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has laughed off Helmut Marko's suggestions that he is installing a racing simulator on his private jet, saying it was a misunderstanding.
Red Bull motor sport advisor Marko made the claim in a recent TV interview while discussing the Dutchman’s appearance in the Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours and his dedication to driving whenever he can.
The simulator in a plane story was subsequently widely reported, but Verstappen says what he actually told Marko last year was that he will have one installed in the new motorhome that he is taking to races in Europe this season.
“That was Helmut I think who said that, but I think he misunderstood, because I was talking to him last year,” said Verstappen.
“I'm building a new motorhome for travelling through Europe to the F1 races and I said I will install one there because I just can keep on driving when I'm back in the evening.
“Because I like it, it's my hobby in a way, and it just keeps you sharp as well. So I think he misunderstood, and he said plane! So I'm not installing one in my plane. I think that will be a bit absurd."
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
In a similar case of crossed wires, photographs of Oscar Piastri driving a McLaren road car on the streets of Melbourne emerged on Reddit recently, with the poster claiming that Daniel Ricciardo was in the passenger seat.
The pictures were subsequently used by media outlets – including the Daily Mail – as evidence that the two men have established a friendship despite Ricciardo being dropped by McLaren in favour of his younger countryman.
However, Ricciardo says it wasn’t him in the pictures and he hasn’t met Piastri in person during the off-season.
"For the record, that was a meme,” said the new Red Bull third driver. “I think he was in a McLaren with someone that kind of look like me, so everyone was like, ‘Oh Daniel's giving Oscar driving tips,’ or something like that!
“But no, it wasn't me, so I wasn't with him in person. But we spoke a little bit towards the end of last year."
Related video
Ford: F1 return wasn’t possible without changes to engine rules
How Tyrrell became a racing Rubik’s cube as it faded out of F1
Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make
Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make
Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team
Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung”
Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung” Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung”
Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Verstappen: "Poor visibility" makes missing F1 grid slot easy to do
Verstappen: "Poor visibility" makes missing F1 grid slot easy to do Verstappen: "Poor visibility" makes missing F1 grid slot easy to do
Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make
Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make Lando Norris backs tough F1 choices McLaren had to make
Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team
Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team Horner counters Perez's suggestion about Red Bull F1 being one-car team
FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review
FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review
Team Penske and Power sign new multi-year IndyCar deal
Team Penske and Power sign new multi-year IndyCar deal Team Penske and Power sign new multi-year IndyCar deal
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The state of play in F1's technical silly season
The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.