It turns out that being a three-time Formula 1 world champion doesn’t get you a leg up at the rental car counter, as Max Verstappen recently learned when on vacation in Portugal. As reported by The Sun, Verstappen’s family and friends arrived in Algarve on three different private jets, having booked 20 rental cars through Sixt with the intent to drive to the Algarve International Circuit (also known as Portimão), which Verstappen had rented out for two days.
When the Dutch world champion arrived at the Sixt counter, he was told that he could not drive the Mercedes-AMG GT that he had reserved for himself because he was too young. Sixt’s insurance policy for the GT requires that drivers be 30 years old, and Verstappen is only 26. His manager ended up taking the GT, while Verstappen had to make do with a BMW 5 Series. Says The Sun,
A source said: “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 especially funny when you consider that Verstappen won his first F1 race at the age of 18, and the F1 cars he pilots are much faster and require way more skill than the AMG GT. In a statement to The Sun, the rental company acknowledged Max’s talent, but reiterated that they have to follow the rules no matter who the driver is:
A Sixt spokesman said: “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 Verstappen planned to take the AMG and the other rental cars on the track — that would likely also be a violation of Sixt’s insurance policy. I’m sure he had a wonderful holiday regardless.