Max Emilian Verstappen, the world-renowned race car driver, was born on September 30, 1997. He is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver and the ‘2021 Formula One World Champion.’ Under the Dutch flag, Verstappen competes in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. He is the son of Jos Verstappen, a former Formula One driver. At the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, he made Formula One history by competing as the youngest driver ever at age 17. Verstappen has 23 victories and 14 pole positions as of the 2022 Miami Grand Prix. Verstappen is one shining light that deserves to be recognized.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Max Emilian Verstappen
Nickname:
Mad Max
Birth date:
September 30, 1997
Age:
26
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
5' 11"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$60 million
Background
Max Verstappen was born in Hasselt, Belgium, to Jos Verstappen and Sophie Kumpen. He moved in with his father after his parents divorced when he was a child, while his younger sister Victoria moved in with their mother. Verstappen also has three younger half-siblings from his father’s second and current marriage. It wasn’t long before Verstappen began racing, and by 2003, he was routinely karting in Genk, Belgium.
In 2005, things got more serious, as he participated in and won every race in his first championship, the Belgium Championship Mini (VAS). By 2013, Verstappen had won almost all karting events. Verstappen won his sixth race at 16 years of age to take the F3 championship by storm. He then won an incredible six consecutive races to finish third overall. When Verstappen joined Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2015, he broke the record for the youngest Formula One driver ever. After just four races in 2016, he left Scuderia Toro Rosso for Red Bull Racing. After a remarkable drive in monsoon-soaked Brazil, Verstappen finished fifth overall in the 2016 World Championship, solidifying his position as the sport’s most promising young driver.
Verstappen outperformed himself throughout the 2019 Formula One season, placing third overall. Then Verstappen put an end to doubts about his future by agreeing to a contract extension, which seemed to inspire even more noteworthy outcomes in 2020. Verstappen went one step further by winning the UK 70th Anniversary Formula One Grand Prix, further solidifying his position as a home-away-from-home on the Formula One podium. In Season 2021, Max evolved from a consistent podium performer with the rare giant-killing feat to a genuine world championship contender. Due to Max’s propensity to take the top spot throughout the bulk of the season, the list of firsts was lengthy. When he won his first Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi during the final race of the season, he made history as the first driver to do it. Since October 2020, he has been dating Brazilian model Kelly Piquet.
Career timeline
It is announced that Verstappen will make his racing debut in the Florida Winter Series.
Verstappen joins the ‘Red Bull Junior Team.’
He wins the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on his Red Bull Racing debut at 18, becoming the youngest driver in Formula One history and the first Dutch driver to do it.
Verstappen signs a contract extension to race for Red Bull until the end of 2023.
Verstappen overtakes Hamilton on the final lap, winning his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship and is named ‘Laureus Sportsman of the Year.’
Why We Love Max Verstappen
Verstappen is a star child
Besides having a well-known speedy father, his mother Sophie was a famous kart racer. It's easy to say that speed runs in his blood.
Verstappen is the speed king
Although Verstappen has always been a race-winning driver, he improved over his time in Formula One to where he is currently a World Champion. He has shown his ability to overcome a pace disadvantage and complete crucial overtaking tactics, which has allowed him to gain strength.
Verstappen is charitable
Like most Formula One drivers, Verstappen was involved in several charitable events. He competed in a charity race that Red Bull sponsored as one of the 'Charity Stars.' Verstappen once sold his car to earn money for the charity “Wings for Life.”
5 Surprising Facts
He’s a Barcelona fan
Verstappen loves soccer, and he is an F.C. Barcelona fan.
A driver without a driver's license
Verstappen became a Formula One driver before getting his driver's license
He gave his dad a nosebleed
During Verstappen’s debut race, there was a lot of pressure that his dad suffered a nosebleed.
He loves Dutch food
Although his favorite food is Italian, Verstappen has a weakness for Dutch food.
He Googled himself to enter a circuit
Verstappen had to Google his name and find a photograph of himself to get the security agent to let him through at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2018.
Max Verstappen FAQs
Who is Max Verstappen's sponsor?
Verstappen’s primary sponsors include Red Bull, Jumbo Supermarkets, CarNext.com, and Ziggo, amongst several others.
Why do Max Verstappen fans wear orange?
It is in keeping true to Verstappen’s heritage since orange is taken to be Netherlands national color.
What Does Max Verstappen believe in?
He believes it is essential to spend time with the people that he loves the most.
Max Verstappen’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
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