Max Verstappen’s $ 15 million private jet proves you can have it all at midnight

It’s hard to pretend the universe isn’t playing favorites when there are people like Max Verstappen. Aside from his first Formula 1 world title – which he wants to secure this season after ousting the lead from Mercedes-Sir Lewis Hamilton at the US Grand Prix – the 24-year-old motorsport talent supposedly has everything the heart desired. There is an impressive seven year professional career on the grid with the expectation that he will go down in history as another great driver … a lot of money to throw in thanks to his Red Bull Racing salary and countless sponsorship deals … Piquet, daughter of legendary three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet (essentially marry in size). And just in case you need further proof that Max Verstappen is indeed the chosen one, there is also his Dassault Falcon-900EX private jet.

The Flying Dutchman acquired his sky chariot towards the end of 2020 from none other than Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic. While the exact price of this particular transaction was never disclosed, several publications suggest that it could have set the young gun back by something of $ 8 million to $ 10 million / $ 12.45 million to $ 15 , $ 57 million with a running cost of about $ 2 million per year if it flies about 500 hours; which shouldn’t be a problem for the watch given the full annual racing calendar, as Max Verstappen traveled to every Grand Prix in 2021, as well as the occasional international holidays.

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Verstappen’s own Dassault Falcon-900EX was reportedly manufactured back in 2008 after receiving a significant avionics upgrade shortly before the ownership transfer from Branson and Virgin Galactic. According to Global Air, powered by a trio of Honeywell TFE731-60 engines – not Honda, interestingly – it has an increased maximum range of 8,750 kilometers before it needs to be refueled, a top speed of around 892 km / h and a cruising speed of 850 km / h. The private jet is currently registered under PH-DTF and bears the red MV33 logo from Verstappen (previously registered under M-VGAL).

As for the interior, Dassault said in his own words …

With a volume of 1,264 cubic feet, the Falcon 900EX’s cabin is designed to perfectly accommodate passengers during transcontinental flights. It comfortably seats 8-12 passengers in a double club configuration, two seats can be reclined to form a large bed, and console tables are standard. ”

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Obviously, this is quite an upgrade for the old Super Max. In previous years, like any normal professional athlete, he crossed the air in business class, even in the after the 2016 Canadian Grand Prix when all non-economy seats were fully booked Beef class. The cherry on top? His seat was right next to the bathroom. But unlike other high-profile egos, Verstappen apparently accepted the short-term change of plan graciously and without a single protest.

“With others it would have been a big problem, but [with Max] it wasn’t an issue at all, ”reveals Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull F1.

“We have: ‘No problem, if this is available I’ll do it, I’ll go down there.’ And I think that’s what’s refreshing about him. It’s just the excitement of being a Formula 1 driver and doing what he does. “

Fair play. That will definitely not be an issue now.

Sources for feature images: you / jankyfunkbush