It’s undeniable that Max Verstappen is one of the most exciting and talented drivers in Formula One. But his rise to the top has been a long and winding journey, shaped by his family, friends, and colleagues. To truly understand Verstappen’s meteoric success, it’s important to look beyond the accolades and hear the stories of those who know him best.
That’s where Beyond the Ordinary: Becoming Max Verstappen comes in. This special podcast episode features intimate interviews with the people who have played a role in Max’s life and career, providing a behind-the-scenes look.
1. His dad put him in a go-kart aged four: As a child, Max Verstappen’s life revolved around go-karting, thanks to his father’s passion for racing. Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, had his son behind the wheel of a go-kart by the age of four. While this may seem young, Max was already quite familiar with speed and steering from riding a quad bike since the age of two. His early introduction to racing, combined with his natural talent, paved the way for his racing career. By the age of seven, Max was already competing in go-kart races, and he’s been winning ever.
2. While also showing him tough love: While it’s clear that Jos Verstappen was a supportive force in his son’s racing career, he also had a more hard-nosed approach to teaching him the craft. The duo covered about 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers of track time every year, and Jos took Max’s performance very seriously. In a 2012 world championship race, Max experienced a disappointing crash that cost him the title. Max was upset, but Jos was even more disappointed. Rather than offer sympathy or comfort, he instructed Max to pick up the go-kart and take responsibility for his mistake. While the moment was difficult, both father and son
3. Max tried to bribe his driving instructor: Max Verstappen’s rise to the pinnacle of motorsport was truly meteoric, as he began racing in F1 at the tender age of 17. In order to obtain his license, Verstappen enlisted the services of a driving instructor, who proved to be a very stern and uncompromising teacher. Verstappen was so determined to obtain his license that he prepared caps and T-shirts as bribes, but his instructor didn’t take the bait. In response to Verstappen’s unique circumstances, the FIA enacted a new rule – drivers must be at least 18 years of age to race in F1.
4. He wears his seatbelt loosely: Despite the high-speed and high-stakes nature of Formula One racing, Max Verstappen is known for his laid-back attitude. Even in the cockpit of his race car, Verstappen keeps his seatbelts a bit looser than most drivers, a fact that commentator and former F1 driver David Coulthard finds remarkable. Coulthard says that he personally wanted to be as firmly strapped into the car as possible, but Verstappen’s confidence and comfort level allow him to keep his seatbelts a bit more relaxed. It’s clear that Verstappen’s approach to racing is unique.
5. His team-mates cannot get their heads around how Max prepares before races:
While many drivers in Formula One have strict routines and rituals before races, Max Verstappen has a much more laid-back approach. His former Red Bull teammate, Alex Albon, recalls a time when he was poring over data and studying tactics before a race, while Verstappen was simply playing video games. Albon says that he admires Verstappen’s ability to be so relaxed in the face of such pressure. It’s clear that Verstappen’s unorthodox approach to preparation is a key factor in his success.
6. During his first F1 win, he gave his dad a nosebleed: Max Verstappen’s first Formula One win was an incredible feat, and it came with some unexpected consequences. As Max recounted the story, he remembered that the intensity of the race caused him to cramp in the final laps. The pressure was so great that even his father, Jos Verstappen, started bleeding from the nose while watching the race. It’s clear that Max’s success on the track had a profound impact on everyone involved.
7. His Dutch supporters are hardcore: Max Verstappen’s success has led to a massive following in his home country of the Netherlands. Professional BMXer Twan van Gendt attests to this, explaining that Max is a constant presence in the media and on merchandise throughout the country. In fact, he believes that 95% of the population knows who Max Verstappen is. The level of support for Max goes well beyond passive interest – his fans arrive at races in recreational vehicles that are equipped with jacuzzis and double beds, all to celebrate their favorite driver.
8. He can switch off his brain to distractions: According to Alex Albon, Max Verstappen has an incredible ability to tune out distractions while racing. While most drivers might be bothered by things like wind or car instability, Max appears to be able to switch off his brain and focus purely on the driving decisions that need to be made. David Coulthard agrees, explaining that while the average person might think that F1 drivers are focused on high speeds, in reality, they are focused on making rapid-fire decisions as they navigate the track. The moments in between corners are the time to take in the surroundings and relax.
9. He has made Lewis Hamilton up his game:
The battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton has been a thrilling display of both skill and strategy. While Hamilton has been accustomed to easily winning championships in the past, Verstappen’s rise has forced him to step up his game. Albon notes that Hamilton is spending more time in the simulator to hone his skills and that Mercedes is putting more effort into winning the championship than ever before. Verstappen’s unfazed attitude has kept him focused and level-headed in the face of this intense competition. It’s clear that both drivers are pushing each other to new heights.
10. There’s no ceiling to what he can achieve:
There is widespread agreement that Max Verstappen’s potential is limitless. For example, motorsports journalist David McFadyen believes that Max will be remembered as one of the best F1 drivers of his generation, citing his immense talent. There is no doubt that he is an extraordinary driver with a promising future in the sport. It seems as if the sky is the limit for this young star. Could he surpass the records of Hamilton or even Michael Schumacher? Only time will tell, but it is clear that Max is on a path to greatness.
What do you think the future holds for Max Verstappen?
