Red Bull Motorsports
F1
Why Max Verstappen and co are racing into new jobs before the Australian GP
Four new lifeguards hit an Australian beach, but will the Oracle Red Bull and Visa Cashapp RB drivers succeed in their new careers?
Part of this story
Have these four Formula One drivers got what it takes to become beach lifeguards?
In a bit of downtime in the run up the Australian Grand Prix, we saw Max Verstappen, Sergio Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda take on lifeguard duties at Melbourne’s Hampton Beach.
What better way to test their skills than to put them behind the wheel of the main vehicle lifeguards use to help keep Australian beaches safe! They weren't the only sporting royalty on the beach with snowboarding legend Scotty James and star surfer Molly Picklum in charge of judging on the day.
Scotty James helps the drivers establish the racing line
© Brett Hemmings/Red Bull Content Pool
There were two main challenges:
- Sprint and tow race
- Side-by-side slalom race
The first challenge kicked off with Verstappen and Pérez speeding down the beach on a Can-Am Commander vehicle. They popped up their two life-saving flags, reversed and connected their Sea-Doo watercraft before returning to the start line in rapid time.
Sea-Doo attached, time to get going for Ricciardo and Tsunoda
© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen and Pérez head back to the finish line
© Brett Hemmings/Red Bull Content Pool
Up next were Ricciardo and Tsunoda, who managed to unlock a speed boost somehow but lost some precious time raising their flags before making their way back to the start and finish line. The boys also had a secret strategy but it didn't pay off for them.
"We thought if he [Yuki] was on the back of the Sea-Doo we'd get better traction," said Ricciardo.
See F1 stars get out of their comfort zones
While extremely close, the win went to Verstappen and Pérez of Oracle Red Bull Racing. "They took off so fast," said Verstappen.
Finishing flag duties for Molly Picklum
© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool
The second challenge was chaos, with both teams racing down a slalom course at high-speed before picking up a bunch of life-saving gear. On the return back to the start line, both teams lost items off the back of their Can-Am Commander buggies and received time penalties.
The win, though, went to Visa Cash App RB drivers Ricciardo and Tsunoda... Or so we thought! On replay, it was noted that they missed picking up several items and were disqualified, giving the win to Verstappen and Pérez.
That way Sergio!
© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool
Ricciardo and Yuki were not happy about the decision and having to return their first place medals! All in all, it was plenty of fun on the sand in Melbourne for everyone in the build up to Australian Grand Prix.
Part of this story
