Verstappen laughs after receiving fine: 'Think I should pay for that'

Max Verstappen received a fine from the FIA yesterday. The Red Bull Racing driver had driven too fast in the pit lane during the first free practice and may soon pocket 700 euros. The 25-year-old Dutchman is not really worried about it, according to an interview with Viaplay.

"It was because of that red flag. I was driving towards the inside and suddenly I saw a green flag. Where the pit-limiter started, I didn't have it on yet, so I was driving 93 [kilometres per hour] or so. I immediately squeezed the brakes, but the average was still too fast," Verstappen said.

Verstappen drove an average of 86.4 kilometres per hour where a speed of 80 km/h is allowed. 8.4 km/h too fast, in other words. Who should pay for that? I think I have to pay that," laughed Max, who doesn't know which way to tick it off. "I really have no idea, that will come naturally. That will automatically be transferred to the FIA. At least we have the address, so we know where it has to go."

By the latter, the reigning world champion seems to be referring to the US$7 million fine his team received after exceeding the budget cap in 2021.