Max Verstappen became the target of a playful practical joke during a charity sim racing event known as The Race for Mental Health. The Dutch F1 driver, known for his impressive dominance in the sport, was taking part in the 23-hour endurance event organized by Jimmy Broadbent, when he fell victim to a fan’s well-placed prank.
Max Verstappen: “Why Am I Being Singled Out?!”
During the race, Verstappen was part of Team Redline and was one of the most high-profile drivers in the field. As part of the charity event, viewers had the option to make donations that could impose penalties on the drivers, adding a fun element to the already lighthearted nature of the event. The fan, eager to poke fun at Verstappen, decided to target the reigning World Champion by posing as the FIA steward and paying £100 to dish out penalties.
FIA Prankster Sends Max Verstappen “Stop and Go” Penalties
The first donation came with the message: “Stop and go penalty for car #1,” which immediately caught Verstappen’s attention. As the race continued, the playful fan followed up with another donation, making reference to Verstappen’s recent community service punishment for swearing during a Singapore GP press conference: “Max, you used language that was coarse and offensive for broadcast, so it’s another stop-and-go for car #1. Community service is next – we’re watching.”
Despite being the target of these trolling donations, Verstappen took it all in stride. With his usual sharp wit, the Red Bull driver responded humorously: “Why am I being singled out?!” His sharpness came to the forefront once again when he argued that the penalties were unfair, saying, “My car is number 1, not 01, so whoever did that can p**s off!”
Verstappen’s Livery Design Adds to the Fun
The humor didn’t stop there. Verstappen’s livery, designed by his fans, also contributed to the lighthearted atmosphere. The design featured Lando Norris running wide into Turn 1 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the caption ‘Think Different,’ a reference to old Mercedes advertisements. The livery also featured humorous images of George Russell comparing Verstappen to Woody from Toy Story, along with a FOM TV graphic that imposed a 10-second time penalty on Verstappen.
Raising Funds for Mental Health Charities
While the event was full of jokes and playful pranks, it had a serious purpose: to raise funds for mental health awareness. The Race for Mental Health has become a major event in the sim racing community, and it holds special meaning for Jimmy Broadbent, the organizer. Broadbent, who has personally struggled with his own mental health issues, expressed the significance of the event and the charities involved, such as Mind.
“I’m proud to announce that we raised an incredible £103,000 for @MindCharity,” Broadbent shared after the event. “The support from this community is overwhelming, and we’ve already surpassed our previous fundraising record.”
A Memorable Charity Event
Max Verstappen’s participation in The Race for Mental Health showcased the fun side of the Formula 1 driver, even as he was the target of some light-hearted trolling. At the end of the day, the event raised a significant amount for a worthy cause, with the sim racing community coming together to support mental health charities. The race was not just about competition; it was about community and raising awareness for an important cause.
