French police to investigate F1 champ Max Verstappen for speeding in R64m hypercar

Two-time Formula 1 champion and 2023 title-race leader Max Verstappen could be in hot water after a video of him speeding in Monaco made the rounds on social media.

The Dutchman was piloting his £2.7million (R64m, estimated) Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar on the Principality's A8 motorway at around 120km/h, 30km/h above the speed limit.

Furthermore, it is assumed he also sped in a tunnel on said motorway. The speed limit in the region's tunnels drops to 55km/h.

The video was posted by Verstappen's friend, Mark Cox, which led to the police investigating it. The 25-year-old Red Bull F1 driver is yet to comment on the video.

Though there is speculation on what penalty could be imposed on the Monaco resident, this is yet to be determined.

F1 returns to action with the Dutch Grand Prix - Verstappen's home race - this weekend (25-27 August).

Even during summer break Max is driving a Newey spaceship?? pic.twitter.com/9qAMW0agSB

Is that a… headphone?

The Valkyrie stemmed from the days of Red Bull and Aston Martin's F1 collaboration. Designed by the F1 team's aerodynamic head, Adrian Newey, only 150 units of the Valkyrie were ever produced, with the first ones going on sale in 2021.

An 850kW 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine powers the car, and, yes, it's deafening! Which is why Aston Martin adds helicopter-grade headphones to the package.

Because of the car's loudness, drivers are alerted to road signals and sirens via a microphone outside the car that channels sounds and warnings directly into the driver's ear.

The French government prohibits using headphones while driving, so it would be interesting to see how they handle this unique situation.

Verstappen enjoys a 125-point advantage in the 2023 championship standings, thumping