Max Verstappen is more than just a racing driver, it's no exaggeration to say that the Red Bull F1 hero is truly a modern-day superstar.
We already know that Verstappen is a world champion, a record breaker, and a fearless competitor with a breakneck pace. But how many know about his childhood in karting, his secret pre-race rituals or his virtual racing abilities?
dig deeper gp fan These 10 surprising facts about the reigning champion may give you a new perspective on the Dutchman…
10 interesting facts about Max Verstappen
1. He started the race at 4 o'clock: Max's journey began at the age of four when his father Jos Verstappen introduced him to the world of go-karts. By the age of 7, he was already a competitor and the rest, as they say, is history.
2. He tried to bribe the driving instructor: When Max started racing in F1, he was only 17 and didn't have a driving license. So he tried to give his driving instructor a hat or T-shirt, but needless to say that didn't go well, and F1 now requires drivers to be over 18 to race.
3. His father was the most successful Dutch driver. Racing is in Verstappen's blood. Max's father, Jos Verstappen, may not have reached championship heights, but by the time Max stepped into the sport, he had two podium finishes and 17 points by 2003. , was the most successful Dutch F1 driver.
4. Maternal race genes: Max's father isn't the only one who knows the thrill of the racetrack. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, was also a successful karting and racing driver, having competed against Jenson Button, Giancarlo Fisichella and Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
5. He gave his father a nosebleed. Max's first F1 win in Spain was more than just a personal victory. For his father, Jos, it was heartbreaking. The pressure and excitement was so great that he actually got a nosebleed.
6. Esports Ace: Max isn't just fast on the real track. He has a force that cannot be ignored even in the virtual world. He frequently competes in official F1 games and his iRacing, most recently virtual he won his 24 Hours of Daytona race.
7. Pre-race ritual: While some drivers focus on meditation or data analysis, Max relaxes by playing video games. His former teammate Alex Albon said he had seen Max playing FIFA and Call of Duty just before the session.
8. World Class FIFA Gamer: But Max is more than just a gamer. He actually rose through the ranks of FIFA Ultimate Team, reaching world No. 31 in 2018 and world No. 21 in 2019.
9. He has dual citizenship: Max proudly represents the Netherlands on the F1 scene, but his heritage is a little more subtle. Max was born in Hasselt, Belgium to a Belgian mother and holds dual Dutch and Belgian citizenship.
10. People who speak many languages: Verstappen's fluency in Dutch is not surprising, but his language skills go far beyond his native tongue. He speaks English and German fluently and also knows a little French.
read more: Max Verstappen's net worth: New York, Aston Martin and Mercedes are key to luxury wealth
