Before the roar of engines signals the start of the Formula 1 season at Albert Park, Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen took a unique detour—swapping the track for the water on Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River.
The duo joined professional dinghy racers Scott Jenke and Jeremy Newman at the Richmond Rowing Club for an adrenaline-fueled morning of high-speed water sport. Set against the striking backdrop of Melbourne’s city skyline and Flinders Street Station, the event offered a fast-paced taste of Australia’s extreme dinghy racing scene.
Unlike traditional sail-powered dinghy races, this homegrown version features lightweight, ultra-manoeuvrable 3-metre aluminium skiffs equipped with powerful outboard motors. Capable of hitting speeds of up to 90 km/h, these compact vessels are known for their rapid acceleration and razor-sharp handling—earning them the nickname “go-karts of the water.”
“This was totally new for me,” said Max Verstappen. “I didn’t know what to expect, but when I saw the boats and heard the speeds, they had my attention. I love anything fast, especially if it involves water.”
Each F1 driver was paired with a professional dinghy pilot and took on the role of navigator. But this wasn’t a passive ride—navigators in this sport play an active part, shifting their body weight dynamically around the boat to maintain balance and guide tight turns, similar to sidecar motorcycle racing.
READ MORE: Kimi Räikkönen Takes the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T for a Spin
“You’re constantly on the move,” Ricciardo said after the session. “The acceleration really surprised me. It’s a crazy nimble craft with almost no turning radius. They probably dialled it back a bit for us, but it was still a thrill!”
In front of an audience of approximately 60 media representatives from around the world, the morning wrapped up with a friendly three-lap sprint around a 400-metre buoy-marked course. Competitive spirits flared, and while there was no official winner, both drivers were quick to claim bragging rights.
With the water fun behind them, attention now shifts to the serious business of the season opener. “Pre-season is full of talk, but the real driving starts now,” said Ricciardo. “I can’t wait to hit the track on Friday. That’s when we’ll get our first true read—same tyres, same fuel, everything equal. It’ll be great to see where we all stand finally.”
As the paddock gears up for action at Albert Park, this memorable detour showcased not only the drivers’ adventurous side but also Melbourne’s vibrant sporting culture: on land and water.
