Max Verstappen

Max Emilian Verstappen, born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, is a prominent figure in the world of Formula One racing. Known for his aggressive driving style and extraordinary skill, Verstappen has made a significant impact in the sport from a young age.

ABOUT

Max Verstappen is a Dutch-Belgian racing driver currently competing in Formula One with Red Bull Racing. He made history by becoming the youngest driver to compete in Formula One at the age of 17 years and 166 days during the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Since then, his career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements, including multiple Grand Prix victories and championship contention.

BEFORE FAME

Before reaching the pinnacle of motorsports, Verstappen's journey began in karting. His father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula One driver, and his mother, Sophie Kumpen, a talented kart racer, played significant roles in his early development. Max began karting at the age of four and quickly ascended through the ranks, winning several European and World Championships.

He transitioned to single-seater racing in 2014, competing in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. Despite being one of the youngest competitors, he impressed with his speed and racecraft, earning several victories and a third-place finish in the championship standings.

TRIVIA

• Max Verstappen holds the record for being the youngest driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix, achieving this feat at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix at 18 years and 228 days old.
• He is known for his aggressive and assertive driving style, which has earned him both praise and criticism from peers and pundits alike.
• Verstappen speaks multiple languages fluently, including Dutch, English, and Flemish.
• His car number is 33, a number he chose because he used it during his karting days, believing it brought him good luck.

FAMILY LIFE

Max comes from a racing-enthusiast family. His father, Jos Verstappen, competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2003, securing multiple podium finishes. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a successful kart driver in her own right. Max's sister, Victoria Verstappen, is also involved in the motorsports world, making the Verstappen name synonymous with racing talent.

In 2020, Max made headlines when he confirmed his relationship with Brazilian model Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet. Their high-profile relationship has attracted media attention and further solidified Max's presence in the sport.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Max Verstappen has raced against and alongside some of the biggest names in Formula One. He has had notable rivalries with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Verstappen has been instrumental in Red Bull Racing's success, frequently dueling with Mercedes drivers in the battle for both race wins and championship titles.

Max Verstappen's relentless drive for success, combined with his natural talent, has positioned him as one of the sport's brightest stars. His career continues to evolve, leaving fans and competitors alike eager to see what the future holds for this racing prodigy.