Where to Ski And Snowboard - Red Bull may pay for F1 ski stunt

Red Bull may pay for F1 ski stunt

21st January 2016, by Abi Butcher

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Authorities in Austria may fine Red Bull for their stunt last week using a Formula 1 car in Kitzbühel. F1’s youngest-ever driver Max Verstappen tackled the Streif course in the Austrian ski resort, at the wheel of a Red Bull RB7, fitted with Pirelli tyres specially studded for the stunt.

The car was airlifted onto the Hahnenkamm for the stunt, and fitted with snow chains to cope with the conditions so Toro driver Verstappen could perform drive-bys and donuts in front of a 3,500-strong crowd — promoting this year’s Austrian Grand Prix.

But while Red Bull might have nailed all the preparations the company forgot to get environmental approval for the event, according to Austrian newspaper Tiroler Tageszeitung.

The paper reports that Red Bull could be facing a €30,000 fine for driving the vehicle outside normal traffic of fenced area, which could cause damage to nature — even if it was an F1 racing car.

Meanwhile, Verstappen enjoyed the ride.

“It was was so much fun. Keeping the car on the track was a real challenge,” he said. “I enjoyed it a lot - quite special to go up and down all the time and then you have this amazing view. The car is moving around a lot but it is nice, you are playing a bit with the car.”

To watch the video in full, visit Max Verstappen’s YouTube site.