“And F1 Is Aiming for Net Zero!” Max Verstappen Faces Massive Backlash over $65 Million Private Jet Upgrade

Max Verstappen faced the brunt of anger from fans for making a massive private jet upgrade this year.

“And F1 Is Aiming for Net Zero!” Max Verstappen Faces Massive Backlash over $65 Million Private Jet Upgrade

Max Verstappen (image via Red Bull Racing), Max Verstappen's new private jet (image via iStock)

Formula 1 is a global sport. The season spans across five continents and almost two dozen countries in a hectic calendar. Drivers are always on the move, from one place to another. Usually drivers fly commercially, but it is not unusual for stars like Max Verstappen to have their own private jets. However, the Red Bull driver’s latest jet has made fans furious amid fears of climate change.

Verstappen is no stranger to flying in his own jet. The four-time world champion’s Dassault Falcon 900EX was known for the special black and orange paint scheme, signifying the Max Verstappen brand. At the start of 2025, the Dutchman shelled out around $65 million to upgrade to the Falcon 8X. The new jet has a range of almost 12,000km, compared to around 8,800km of its predecessor.

While the new aircraft carries over Verstappen’s color scheme, its interior is unknown. It is likely that the F1 star has made no compromises to ensure he travels in luxury. More importantly, Max Verstappen definitely has a sim racing setup on this plane.

However, at a time when the world is at the brink of climate change, private jets seem to be the last thing one should have. The carbon emissions of such jets play a major role in hurting our environment. Stars like Taylor Swift have often been exposed to hate due to excessive air travel. Now, it seems that even F1 fans recognize this issue.

Fans furious over Max Verstappen’s private jet travel

Formula 1 has never been a clean sport. After all, the pinnacle of motorsport has 20 drivers battling it out for victory in different parts of the world. The sport has taken steps to encourage sustainability with a plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030. However, one fan pointed out that while F1 is trying so hard on such aspects, Max Verstappen is putting his own comfort as a priority.

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Moreover, another fan claimed that a driver can travel in a private jet but the sport continues to rule out V12 engines due to its gas emissions. Such reactions filled the internet. While, fans understand that a wealthy sportsperson has the means to travel privately, it is still hurting the environment. On the other hand, common people are trying to recycle and use sustainable materials to try and prevent the ill effects of climate change.

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Max Verstappen is not the first celebrity to face criticism for using a private jet. But such comments do not come without a reason. It is time for celebrities to recognize the harm of flying in their own jets and the bad example they set. There have been instances in the past when things have changed. Lewis Hamilton sold his private jet a few years ago as he raised awareness about climate change.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Gives Stern Response to Toto Wolff’s Ferrari Advantage Claims