Max Verstappen is not allowed to participate in dangerous sports despite being one of the best athletes on the planet.
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Dutchman Max Verstappen has proven to be an all-time F1 great due to his historic performance in 2023. Hence, any injury to the reigning world champion would greatly affect Red Bull. As the Austrian team would lose its star driver for a couple of races. Thus, the 26-year-old revealed that he is prohibited from participating in dangerous sports.
The three-time world champion was quizzed about his interests in other extreme sports apart from Formula 1. Verstappen asserted that Red Bull’s contract clause disallows him from participating in any dangerous sports. Even football players are disallowed from participating in dangerous sports. Hence the Formula 1 virtuoso added that he had a similar clause to players of ‘The Beautiful Game.’
Me too…. No Dangerous sport – Verstappen told formule1.com.
Subsequently, Verstappen recalled the dangers of doing anything like even taking a shower, depicting that there are multiple risks in life. However, the Dutchman also revealed that he had not participated in skiing for the past five years. Additionally, Michael Schumacher‘s tragic accident while skiing had deterred other athletes from partaking in such dangerous sports.
Yes, dramatic natural and sad. But then again, you can also slip in the shower and break your neck. There is a risk everywhere. But to answer your question, I haven’t skied in five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all its consequences.Discover: Iconic Suzuka Circuit could be at risk as Osaka reportedly plans to bid for Japanese GP
Max Verstappen pondered over the extremities of cycling as a sport
Despite Verstappen participating in one of the most extreme sports in the world, the Dutchman was not hesitant in acknowledging the extremities of cycling as a sport. The reigning world champion asserted that he could not do that to himself, in terms of living a lifestyle like the professional cyclists. Additionally, driving the cycle alone for most of the track did not sit right with Verstappen. On the other hand, Valtteri Bottas has gone as far as cycling in his underwear recently.
Max Verstappen cycling (via @F1Maximaal/X).
Additionally, the F1 champion claimed that he couldn’t afford to dedicate so much time to cycling in his life apart from Formula 1. However, the 26-year-old did not fail to acknowledge the dedication and mindset it takes to engage in cycling as a sport and commended the people participating in cycling. As a result, Verstappen continues to drive in Formula 1 and not partake in other dangerous sports due to his clause with Red Bull, and also his achievements within F1.
Disallowing F1 drivers from engaging in dangerous sports is in the best interest of their safety, as even a minor injury could seriously sabotage their career in Formula 1. Hence, Verstappen will stick to high-speed racing as the only dangerous sport in his career for now.
