Between all the important news, it’s easy to miss a few things. Don’t worry, F1Maximaal.nl will keep you informed of all the sense and nonsense from the world of Formula 1 in the Meanwhile in F1 section.
Ricciardo and Verstappen are having fun: ‘What does a red flag mean? Flat out!’
The drivers of Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB were tested during a challenge in Melbourne to see whether they knew what certain flags and colors on the beach meant. Those flags looked familiar to the drivers. When asked what a red flag on the track meant, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen did not hesitate: ‘Flat out!’ the Dutchman responded.
McLaren looks back on his last victory on Senna’s birthday
On Ayrton Senna’s birthday, McLaren looks back on his last victory in Australia. The Formula 1 legend would have turned 64 years old on Thursday, March 21. The 1993 Australian Grand Prix, then in Adelaide, was also Senna’s last race for the British racing team. After his time at McLaren, Senna continued his career at Williams.
What Verstappen would do if he wasn’t racing? ‘To eat!’
Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez played a question game in the Melbourne paddock and the Dutchman certainly had his answers ready. When asked what he would do if he wasn’t racing, he was very quick with his answer: “Eating!” In addition, the three-time world champion would invite Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda for a barbecue, Ricciardo to laugh, and Tsunoda should then bring the wagyu steak.
Zhou comes with a special new look and helmet in Australia
Zhou Guanyu comes with a very special helmet for the Australian Grand Prix. In addition to a kangaroo, a koala and some other references to the land down under, none other than teammate Valtteri Bottas shines on the driver’s helmet, including a mat, of course. For the occasion, Zhou decided to adopt a similar look.
Red Bull announces three special liveries for 2024
In 2023, Red Bull Racing used a special livery three times in the United States, and this season the Austrian team will also use a fan-designed livery three times this season. Red Bull announced that the RB20 will look different this year in Great Britain, Singapore, and again Texas, in the United States.
Has Bottas found his new calling?
If his F1 career comes to a dead end, Valtteri Bottas can always try his luck in a completely different sector. The Finn shows in a short video on the X-page of his team Stake F1 that he is an excellent replacement for Baywatch star David Hasselhoff.
Verstappen explains in detail why he doesn’t like Drive to Survive
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo were interviewed together by The Project, and the Dutchman is asked why he doesn’t like Drive To Survive. Verstappen indicates that he just doesn’t like to talk about certain things. What he likes to talk about: ‘Nothing at all!’ Verstappen answers. “Outside of these types of interviews, he is very funny,” Ricciardo adds.
Norris is hopping around Melbourne and is ready for the race weekend
Lando Norris says he went to explore Melbourne during his days off prior to the race weekend. The Brit was also in Australia during the winter break, but he had not been to Melbourne. In any case, Norris seems to be looking forward to the race weekend.
Verstappen and Pérez take on the role of real bay watchers
The drivers of Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB will spend some time in Melbourne on Wednesday to naturally record marketing videos. The gentlemen walked on the beach like real bay watchers, although they did not wear the same outfits and David Hasselhoff was not around. “Bay watching all day, every day,” reads Red Bull’s caption on Instagram.
Bottas shows Oscar-worthy acting skills in Australian advertising
Valtteri Bottas has a great love for Australia and he got the chance to show that in the Uber Carshare Australia commercial. The Finn shows his ‘second car’ in the commercial, which is completely made to enjoy when he gets out of his F1 car. The car has all kinds of features, like fans for his mullet, flip-flops, and a drying system for his budgie smugglers.
Gasly is having a great time in Sydney
Before the Australian Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly took the opportunity to visit Sydney. The French driver of Alpine felt very much at home there and announced via his Instagram account that it was certainly not the last time he will visit the Australian city.
Norris discovers Australia and a new hobby
The Australian Grand Prix won’t start for another few days, offering most drivers the opportunity to discover the land down under. Lando Norris took advantage of that opportunity, and footage of his adventure appeared on his latest Instagram account. The British driver previously launched an account where he puts his photographic talents to the test, and now there is also a place for video montages.
Verstappen shouting through virtual cars: ‘Luckily he’s okay!’
Max Verstappen is not averse to a game of online racing and he showed once again that things are different virtually than in real life. The Dutchman drives through several cars and does not seem to fully understand what was happening. Somehow Verstappen stayed on the track. His employer Red Bull Racing also reacted sharply to the situation: “Luckily he is okay,” says a response under the X.
