Biography
Max Emilian Verstappen was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. Son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and karting champion Sophie Kumpen, he grew up immersed in motorsport from his earliest years — karting competitively before most kids learn to ride a bicycle.
He made his Formula 1 debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix with Toro Rosso, becoming the youngest driver ever to start an F1 race at just 17 years old. The following year he was promoted to Red Bull Racing, winning on his very first appearance for the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix — a result that signalled the arrival of a generational talent.
Verstappen claimed his first Drivers' Championship in 2021 in a dramatic final-round decider in Abu Dhabi against Lewis Hamilton. He then proceeded to dominate the sport, securing four consecutive world titles and rewriting numerous records along the way, including 19 wins in a single season in 2023.
Career Statistics
Key Moments
F1 debut with Toro Rosso at 17 — youngest ever race starter.
Wins on Red Bull Racing debut at the Spanish Grand Prix.
First World Championship in a legendary Abu Dhabi finale.
Second title with 15 race wins — a dominant campaign.
Record-breaking season: 19 wins out of 22 races, third title.
Clinches fourth consecutive World Drivers' Championship.
Off the Track
Based in Monaco, Verstappen is known for his no-nonsense personality and razor-sharp racecraft. Outside of Formula 1, he is a dedicated sim racing enthusiast, regularly competing in 24-hour online endurance events — often racing through the night alongside professional esports drivers.
"Simply lovely."