When it comes to the high-speed, high-stakes world of F1, it’s not just about the pulse-pounding races or the nail-biting overtakes. It’s also about the enormous impact these icons can make off the tracks. A little over a month after Charles Leclerc’s noble gesture in support of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Max Verstappen, has followed suit in an extraordinary way. In an action-packed fundraiser, Verstappen’s racing suit from the Canadian Grand Prix and a rare meet-and-greet opportunity with the star fetched an impressive $139,000, all in the name of a noble cause.

Seven weeks ago, the Monaco-born Ferrari driver made headlines when he auctioned his unique racing gear from the Monaco GP. The gear, boasting a special, one-off design, was intended to raise funds for the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, severely affected by floods and landslides. The tragedy displaced over 30,000 residents and resulted in the loss of 15 lives. The auction generated a staggering $380,000, a sum that significantly contributed to the recovery of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Hot on the heels of Leclerc’s commendable initiative, Max Verstappen took a break from the tracks to contribute to a cause close to his heart. The Dutchman’s race suit, worn at the Canadian GP, was put up for auction. Not only does this piece of gear hold a historic value, marking Verstappen’s 41st win and Red Bull’s 100th, but it was also autographed by Verstappen himself, coupled with an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with the star himself. This spectacular fundraiser spearheaded by Verstappen will direct the entire sum raised towards the “Wings for Life” foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing paraplegia and spinal cord research.

Read more: Charles Leclerc Shuts Down His ‘Bring Ferrari Back’ Plans as Max Verstappen & Co Continue to Humiliate the Pack

Amid the glamor and glory, the thrills and spills, these gestures stand as a reminder of the positive impact sports personalities can make beyond the race tracks. While Max Verstappen’s intense competitiveness and charity works have already gained considerable attention, it appears the Dutchman has a playful, if somewhat risky, side to him too.

Max Verstappen’s Daring Prank

David Coulthard, a part of the Red Bull family, vividly remembers the time Verstappen decided to give him a “little scare” during this year’s Austrian GP. With his knack for practical jokes, Verstappen drove precariously close to Coulthard in the pit lane, an act of jest that may not have been the best idea considering the potential dangers involved.

Coulthard was filming Verstappen’s pitstop for his son when Verstappen swooshed past him, brushing close enough to give Coulthard a “little scare”. The Scot admits that he found the stunt quite edgy and didn’t realize it was a prank until Verstappen revealed it later during a flight to Monaco, stating he “just wanted to give [Coulthard] a little scare.”

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