Records | - Max Verstappen is the youngest driver to: Score points: 17 years and 180 days, 2015 Malaysian GP.
- Win a race: 18 years and 228 days, 2016 Spanish GP.
- Finish on the podium: 18 years and 228 days, 2016 Spanish GP.
- Lead a lap: 18 years and 228 days, 2016 Spanish GP.
- Set a fastest lap: 19 years and 44 days, 2016 Brazilian GP.
- Get a Grand Slam: 23 years and 277 days, 2021 Austrian GP.
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Facts | - Max Verstappen is a Dutch and Belgian racing sensation, regarded as one of the most fearless and skillful Formula 1 drivers of his generation. Racing under the Dutch flag for Red Bull Racing, he won back-to-back Formula One World Championships in 2021 and 2022.
- Even after having a Belgian mother, being born and residing in Bree, Belgium, Verstappen opted for a Dutch racing license as he identifies more with his Dutch heritage. He decided so after spending significant time with his father during karting practices while growing up in Maaseik, a Belgian town near the Dutch border, where he was regularly surrounded by Dutch people.
- In 2022, Verstappen, however, expressed that he values both aspects of his heritage and considers himself “equally connected” to both Dutch and Belgian roots.
- Max was raised in a family deeply passionate about racing. His father, Jos Verstappen, was a Formula 1 driver, and this familial influence played a significant role in shaping Max’s destiny. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, is also a popular Karting champion who is not only a two-time Belgian karting champion but has also driven against renowned F1 personalities like Jan Magnussen, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella, Dario Franchitti, and even Christian Horner.
- Under the guidance of his father and with the support of his family, Max practiced several hours to sharpen his skills on the karting circuits.
- By the time he was 6, Max participated in his first race in 2003, frequently competing at the prestigious Genk circuit in Belgium, famous for hosting significant international events.
- Max won 23 karting championships between 2005 and 2013. His karting championship wins include 5 x Rotax Max, 2 x Belgium Championship, WSK KF3 Nations Cup, World Series and Euro Series in 2010, CIK-FIA World and European KZ Championship in 2013, and CIK-FIA European Championship KF in 2013.
- Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both debuted in karting at approximately the same time. On a few occasions, the two drivers faced each other during races including a particular incident where they forced each other off the track.
- Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz were teammates at Toro Rosso, from the beginning of the 2015 season until the Spanish GP in 2016. Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull in May 2016, ending his partnership with Sainz.
- Max Verstappen made history by driving a Formula 1 car in an official session at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver ever, at just 17 years and three days old, to take part in a Formula 1 race weekend.
- When Max Verstappen entered Formula 1 in 2015, he didn’t have a valid driving license as he was underage.
- Verstappen uses a Red Bull Powertrains engine, manufactured at the Red Bull F1 facility in Milton Keynes.
- Max Verstappen receives an annual salary of approximately $50-55 million from the Red Bull F1 team, making him the highest-earning driver on the entire grid.
- Max Verstappen is a two-time World Champion; he won in 2021 and 2022. In the thrilling 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen won the World Championship by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
- Max Verstappen achieved three Grand Slams during his career, the first one in Austria in 2021, the second one at the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, and in June 2023, he won his third grand slam win in Spain.
- Max Verstappen has been defeated by a teammate twice during a complete season, with both instances involving Daniel Ricciardo.
- Throughout his Formula 1 career, Max Verstappen has been involved in a total of 13 crashes during races.
- Max Verstappen has never been lapped in any race that he has finished...
- Max Verstappen switched to wearing a Schuberth helmet due to the 2019 regulation changes, which made his usual Arai helmets too small.
- Max Verstappen enjoys a huge popularity in the Netherlands. His passionate fans, known as the “Orange Army,” show massive support by travelling across the globe to cheer for him during various races.
- He is a pet lover and has two Bengal cats named Lewis and Toto.
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