Max Verstappen Skips Red Bull’s Famous Monaco Pool Jump – Here’s Why

Every summer when the Monaco Grand Prix ends, Red Bull’s podium celebrations usually include a cheeky splash – the winning driver, drenched in champagne, leapt straight into the harbour’s public swimming pool. It’s a habit that started years ago with Sebastian Vettel and has become something of a running joke among fans and pundits alike.

This year, however, Max Verstappen made a different choice. Instead of sprinting toward the turquoise water, the Dutch champion stayed on the steps of the podium, waved to the crowd and then walked back to the paddock with a grin. When asked why he didn’t follow the tradition, Verstappen gave a surprisingly straightforward answer: he simply didn’t feel the need to make a splash.

First and foremost, safety is a big part of the decision. The pool sits just a few metres from the cars that have been racing at over 300 km/h for two hours. “You’re already tired, you’ve got a lot of sweat, and the last thing you want is a slip on a wet surface,” Verstappen said. The risk of a bruise or, worse, a concussion isn’t something a driver wants to add to a grueling race weekend.

Then there’s the matter of personal style. Over the past few seasons Verstappen has been busy carving out his own brand of celebration – a quick photo‑op with his team, a quick sip of champagne, maybe a lap around the pit lane. “I like to keep it low‑key, focus on the work that’s ahead,” he explained. The pool jump, while fun, felt a bit like living in someone else’s shadow.

Finally, the team’s perspective matters too. Red Bull’s senior management has hinted that they’re moving away from the more theatrical displays in favour of a cleaner, more professional image, especially as the sport expands into new markets. “We still love the tradition, but we also want to keep our celebrations safe and inclusive for everyone involved,” a spokesperson said.

All that said, Verstappen didn’t dismiss the tradition entirely. He promised that if he wins again, he’ll give it a proper think‑over – maybe with a float‑ation device, maybe with a carefully‑planned entrance. For now, though, he’s happy to let the pool stay dry, proving that sometimes the best way to make a splash is simply to keep winning.