Max Verstappen Trolled by Fan Posing as FIA Steward in Charity Sim Race
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Max Verstappen takes part in the 23-hour endurance charity event 'The Race for Mental Health' and gets trolled by a fan posing as an FIA steward. Discover the fun and donations behind this charity sim race.
Max Verstappen found himself at the center of a light-hearted practical joke during the 23-hour endurance charity sim racing event, The Race for Mental Health. The reigning F1 World Champion participated in the event, which was organized by popular sim racer Jimmy Broadbent, where fans contributed to a unique form of humor at Verstappen’s expense. The event, which had a charitable cause, turned into a playground for jokes involving the Red Bull driver.
The Charity Event: A Cause Near and Dear
The event, known as the 23 Hours of Zolder, was the sixth installment of the Race for Mental Health series. Aimed at raising funds for mental health initiatives, it has become a staple within the sim racing community. Broadbent, who is an advocate for mental health awareness, stated that the event is personal to him due to his own struggles. “I (like many others) have suffered with my own mental health issues and found charities like Mind to be invaluable,” he shared in the lead-up to the race. With nearly £300k raised for the charity over the years, the event has made a significant impact.
This year, the event broke records, raising a total of £103,000, including gift aid. Broadbent proudly posted the achievement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “What a crazy last hour. We went from about £70k all the way to £93k, smashing our previous record! Including gift aid, the total for this event is £103,000 raised for the amazing people over at @MindCharity.”
Max Verstappen's Involvement and the FIA Prank
Max Verstappen joined the event as part of Team Redline, taking part in the 23-hour endurance race with a team of drivers. However, being the most high-profile name in the field, Verstappen became the subject of a well-timed prank. Viewers were allowed to make donations during the live stream, and some fans used their contributions to target Verstappen with a series of amusing “penalties” as if he were in an actual race.
One viewer posed as the FIA, referencing Verstappen’s recent interactions with the governing body, and paid £100 to send a penalty to the Dutch driver. The donation message read, “Stop and go penalty for car #1.” This was just the beginning of the trolling, as a second donation came through, poking fun at Verstappen’s previous community service penalty for using inappropriate language during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. The message read, “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.”
Verstappen's Quick-Witted Response
Despite the humorous nature of the penalties, Verstappen took the joke in stride, responding with his trademark quick-witted humor. “Why am I being singled out?!” he exclaimed, acknowledging the playful nature of the prank. However, showing his usual sharp understanding of race rules, Verstappen also argued that he shouldn’t be penalized as his car was “number 1, not 01.” He quipped, “Whoever did that can p**s off!” His fans and fellow competitors could hear his frustration mixed with laughter as the jokes kept rolling in.
The trolling didn’t stop there, as Verstappen’s car livery, designed by fans, became another source of amusement. The design featured a comical image of Lando Norris running wide at Turn 1 of the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the caption “Think Different,” a playful jab at the famous Mercedes advertising slogan. The livery also included images of George Russell humorously compared to Woody from Toy Story and a TV graphic that imposed a fictional 10-second time penalty on Verstappen. The combination of light-hearted humor and competitive spirit kept the event entertaining throughout its 23-hour duration.
The Bigger Picture: A Community Effort for Mental Health
While Verstappen was the target of the most playful jabs, the underlying focus of the event was much more serious. The money raised from donations will go toward supporting mental health initiatives, particularly the charity Mind, which offers invaluable support to those affected by mental health issues. The 23 Hours of Zolder has become a vital event for raising awareness and funds for mental health, with the sim racing community playing a key role in making a tangible difference.
Max Verstappen’s participation in the event showed his support for the cause, even though the playful penalties directed at him might have been frustrating in the moment. In the end, the event served its purpose: raising money for an important cause while bringing together a passionate community of sim racing fans and drivers.
The Future of Charity Sim Racing Events
With the immense success of the 23 Hours of Zolder and the record-breaking funds raised, it’s clear that charity sim racing events will continue to be a major part of the sim racing and motorsport communities. The combination of friendly competition, laughter, and the chance to support a noble cause creates an environment where fans and drivers alike can make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.
Max Verstappen’s participation was just one part of a larger effort, and as the event continues to grow, there is hope that it will inspire even more people to contribute to the cause. As Broadbent said, “I am infinitely proud of this community. Thank you.”
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