They say speed thrills but also kills. When it’s on the racetrack, it’s a spectacle, on the city streets, it’s a potential crime. Picture this: Monaco’s gleaming streets, the thunderous roar of a $3.5 million Aston Martin Valkyrie, and behind the wheel, none other than Max Verstappen, who’s taken both the racing world and the internet by storm. But this time, the sound of engines might just be replaced by the clank of jail bars. Despite the threat of prosecution looming over him, Helmut Marko, known for his evergreen support for Verstappen, seems to have shrugged off the recent escapade as merely a young man’s folly. But is it as simple as that?
The summer break left the entire F1 community itching for adrenaline-fueled excitement, and it appears Verstappen felt the pull of the racetrack too. A video that recently surfaced shows him taking his coveted Aston Martin Valkyrie for a wild ride, navigating the beast single-handedly at an audacious 120 kph on a 90 kph road. The audacity and flair of this move, however, carried legal consequences that couldn’t be ignored. This wasn’t just any joyride, this was Verstappen flirting with danger and, possibly, the law. Hardcore? Yes. Foolish? Maybe. Illegal? Absolutely.
Helmut Marko on the AMR Valkyrie saga of Max Verstappen:
"Max always has stories going on. Hello! He's 25 years old, it's nothing special that you're going too fast here and there."
[OE24] #F1 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/wNF8ZD0Acb— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) August 25, 2023
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What makes this scenario even more eyebrow-raising is that Verstappen’s actions could potentially land him in legal trouble. Rumors are swirling that he may face prosecution for “endangering the lives of others.” The French Gendarmerie might not turn a blind eye, and a fine might be the least of Verstappen’s worries. But Marko, ever the bad boy advocate of his star driver, plays it down by saying, “Max always has stories going on. Hello! He’s 25 years old, it’s nothing special that you’re going too fast here and there.” It seems like a trivial matter to him, but is it truly a situation to be brushed off so lightly?
Read more: Max Verstappen Put to Shame as Whopping 95% Fans Pick Lewis Hamilton in Interesting Poll
Ignoring the jail threat and playing down a dangerous escapade may be Marko’s way of showing unwavering support for his star driver. But in a sport that thrives on precision, control, and responsibility, this can be a slippery slope. Verstappen’s control over his Valkyrie may be unquestionable, but his judgment is now under scrutiny.
Will Max Verstappen be put behind bars?
Verstappen’s road thrill has caught the attention of French authorities, and it’s no small matter. The F1 star was not only 21 MPH over the speed limit but also found driving on the wrong side of the road. With such blatant disregard for traffic laws, one can’t help but wonder what consequences await him.
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🚨 | Max Verstappen could be prosecuted for the video of him driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
He is seen driving at 124 km/h instead of 90 km/h, 34 km/h over the speed limit.
He keeps to the left-hand lane, which is forbidden under the Highway Code.
He wears a helmet while… pic.twitter.com/YABgel6IdP
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 22, 2023
According to French law, Verstappen might be looking at a double whammy – a $146 fine for each offense, adding up to $292, along with 3 penalty points on his license and a 3-year suspension. But fear not, F1 fans; even if convicted, Verstappen will still be burning rubber at Zandvoort for the Dutch GP this weekend. But the real worry here isn’t the monetary loss it’s losing the ability to drive in France that may be a symbolic blow to a man whose life revolves around driving.
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What do you think will this be just another tale of youthful exuberance, or a lesson hard-learned?
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