Max
is
no
stranger
to
pushing
the
limits
of
motorsport,
but
his
challenge
at
Kitzbühel’s
Hahnenkamm
Festival
in
2016
took
things
to
a
whole
new
level.
As
the
world’s
best
skiers
prepared
to
race
the
legendary
Streif
course,
Max
was
about
to
take
an
F1
car
where
it
had
never
gone
before—into
the
snow.
Charing Down A Ski Run In KitzbühelIt wasn’t just any ski resort—it was Kitzbühel, a place revered by alpine skiers for its iconic, treacherous Streif course. This course isn’t just the pinnacle of winter sports; it’s considered the ultimate test of bravery, fitness, and skill, drawing the world’s best to race its perilous slopes. As the legendary Hahnenkamm World Cup races loomed, Oracle Red Bull Racing had a unique idea—take an F1 car and put it through its paces on snow.For Max, who had already made a name for himself as a rising star in Formula 1, the challenge was clear: to drive a car built for hot tarmac on an alien surface that could barely be called a road. The question wasn’t just about speed—it was about control, precision, and pushing the boundaries of what an F1 car could do.
I’ve never driven on snow before. We had to put chains on the tires—such a unique experience.
Max Verstappen
A
Modified
F1
Car
Meets
the
AlpsThe Oracle Red Bull Racing showcar team wasn’t about to let snow and ice stop them. They worked tirelessly to modify the car, ensuring it could survive the freezing conditions while maintaining the performance that an F1 car is known for. Snow tires, specially designed for the occasion, were fitted onto the car. And the engine, typically tuned for heat, had to be re-tuned to handle the cold. Even the car’s setup had to be adjusted to make sure Max could take on the challenge with as much precision and control as possible.The team’s work paid off. When Max hit the slopes in the snow-covered F1 car, it was clear that this wasn’t just a show—it was a daring feat of motorsport.
As Max’s F1 car roared to life against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the crowd of ski fans and motorsport enthusiasts at Kitzbühel were in for a treat. The sound of the F1 engine echoed through the mountains, thrilling those lucky enough to witness the historic Snowrun. The roar of the engine was a far cry from the swoosh of skis, yet it blended effortlessly with the alpine atmosphere.Among the crowd was none other than Austrian F1 legend Gerhard Berger, who marveled at the spectacle. “Many of the fans here have probably never had the chance to experience Formula One up close,” he said. “Seeing an F1 car this close, against this giant backdrop, is quite unique. You can really feel the power of the engine.”
