Max Verstappen drives F1 car across ice track in first return to action since title win

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has been enjoying himself in his Red Bull car ahead of his upcoming title defence, after driving across an ice track during some pre-season fun.

Verstappen secured his first world championship of his career last term, as he pipped rival Lewis Hamilton in one of the most dramatic season finales in the sport's history.

The Dutchman was able to pass long-time leader Hamilton on the very final lap in Abu Dhabi after taking advantage of a contentious safety car call from race director Michael Masi.

Chaos followed after the race, with Mercedes appealing the decision twice, but they failed on both attempts meaning the Red Bull man was able to celebrate his maiden world championship.

He now heads into the 2022 season with the aim of defending his world title, however his campaign preparations look include plenty of fun, after the Dutchman was seen flying around an ice race track in his F1 car.

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In a video released by Red Bull, the Dutchman can be seen racing around the sub-zero track in his car alongside Australian speedway legend Franky Zorn, who took to the circuit on his motorbike.

Speaking about the experience on ice Verstappen said: "This was my first time on ice with a Formula 1 car and I've been really looking forward to it.

"It was very interesting and it's quite slippery, so you have to be careful.

"Everything is very cold, including the brakes, and racing cars are obviously not designed to drive on the ice, which makes it even more difficult, but it was a lot of fun."

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