16-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) The 2023 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix is revving up for an action-packed weekend, and what better way to kick things off than by watching the fastest F1 drivers take on cleaning machines at the stunning backdrop of Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex waterfall.
Max Verstappen and Sergio “Checo” Perez, both driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, showcased their speed and humor in a promotional event at Jewel, adding a touch of excitement to their already thrilling F1 season. Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, is eyeing a third consecutive title, and he seems well on his way to achieving that in 2023.
No Limits in this Showdown
The event started with a unique “sprint race,” pitting the two F1 aces against each other in a quirky competition. Their challenge: sprint to two floor-cleaning machines, each carrying buckets of water, start the machines, and then ride them back. It was a test of both speed and wit.
Verstappen, known for his quick thinking on the F1 track, wasted no time and ingeniously figured out how to start his vehicle – by going in reverse. This daring move gave him a head start, nearly completing half the circuit before Checo even got going.
However, Checo, always one to embrace a challenge, decided to take a “shortcut” to secure victory, cheekily shouting “no track limits” as he sliced the circuit in half. This was a playful reference to his disqualification earlier in the season at the Austrian Grand Prix for exceeding track limits.
A Race Through Dirt and Glory
The main race took the drivers on a longer and more challenging track through Jewel’s Shiseido Forest. The twist? They had to accumulate as much dirt as possible while maintaining their lead.
The track offered multiple route options: a cleaner, faster path, and an ironically named “dirty side.” Surprisingly, both F1 drivers often chose the “dirty side” to capitalize on better tire grip, flipping the usual script for this race.
Verstappen and Checo, true to their competitive natures, were more interested in exploring their vehicle controls during the briefing than listening to instructions. Verstappen, in particular, made it clear that he was here to win, even in what was meant to be a lighthearted event.
Robotic Victory and a Broken Trophy
Verstappen surged ahead, showcasing his speed once more, leaving Checo trailing in his wake. Verstappen ultimately secured a comfortable victory, despite Checo’s attempt to disrupt him by briefly going against the flow of the circuit.
In an amusing twist, Verstappen received his winner’s trophy from Joy, one of the mop robots responsible for cleaning up the event’s aftermath. Perhaps fittingly, the trophy was pre-broken, a nod to Verstappen’s recent streak of trophy mishaps during the season.
Earlier in the year, Verstappen lost a trophy at the Hungarian Grand Prix when Lando Norris of McLaren Racing accidentally knocked it over during the celebrations. A week later, at the Belgian Grand Prix, another trophy met a similar fate during exuberant celebrations.
Fortunately, there were no unexpected visitors of the reptilian variety during this event.
As the sun sets on Singapore, the city gears up for the highly anticipated evening of September 17th, when the Singapore Race takes center stage.
