F1

Verstappen, a title for the family

World champion for the first time in his career, Max Verstappen explained the importance of this title to his family who have done so much for him since a young age.

Published on 19/12/2021 à 18:15

Gonzalo Forbes

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Verstappen, a title for the family

In Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen was able to celebrate his title with Jos, his father. ©DPPI/F. Gooden

It's no secret, Max Verstappen put all the chances on his side to achieve his main objective: to become world champion of F1. The Batavian accomplished this objective on December 12 in Abu Dhabi at the end of a long battle with Lewis Hamilton. To achieve this, the road was long for the driver forced to make big sacrifices since his first laps in karting. A huge satisfaction for him.

« Usually I'm not an emotional person, I don't show my emotions too much. Of course sometimes I get angry on the radio but it's when I don't agree with something, it's different, he explained after his coronation.

I was crying during my deceleration lap. It means a lot to me, it means my life! I didn't like school when I was little so I tried to do things unrelated to school. Once you achieve your ultimate goal, your life's mission, it's something incredible, not only for me but also for my family."

The family effort

Max Verstappen did not often see his family during his adolescence and in recent years. Traveling the European roads with his father Jos, the Dutchman was obliged to “abandon” his mother Sophie Kumpen and his sister Victoria to continue his path towards F1 and therefore this first world champion title. 

« They had to live for me, recognizes the young champion aware of the efforts made by the members of his family. My father was away from home very often. I probably cost him a marriage. My sister missed me, she missed my father too because he was with me all the time.

My father is obviously my biggest influence in terms of performance but my mother has always supported me. She often came to the races and I don't know how she survived because she quickly becomes very nervous. All of this (the title) is a relief because it shows that everything was not done for nothing. It's very special. It's a family effort. »

With the 2021 season over, Max Verstappen will have the opportunity to make up for it. Now on vacation while waiting for the restart, the Batavian will be able to go to the Netherlands to spend time with his mother and his sister who supported him so much from his beginnings in karting until the world title in Abu Dhabi. A fair reward for the end of year celebrations.

TO LRE ALSO > F1 2021 retro: highlights of the Verstappen-Hamilton duel (1/2)
TO LRE ALSO > F1 2021 retro: highlights of the Verstappen-Hamilton duel (2/2)

Gonzalo Forbes

In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.

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