Max Verstappen Biography: Early life, family background, karting career, F1 debut, age, full name, nationality

Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen is one of the legends in the sport, as he is the best driver on the grid. Verstappen was born to be a Formula 1 driver, as he thrives in a racing family.  Over the years, he earned a reputation for being the most aggressive and skilful driver. 

But where did it all start? What did he do to become the best of the best? What about his background? Everyone wants to know about Max Verstappen’s biography, and we will provide a brief and complete answer.

Here is the biography of F1 driver Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen's early life

The Red Bull driver was born on September 30, 1997. He started racing aged 4, and his parents supported his career as they are a racing family. Max Verstappen was influenced by his father Jos and his uncle, Michael Schumacher. They inspired him to become a Formula 1 driver.

Max Verstappen's Family Background

His father, Jos Verstappen, is the former teammate of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher during the 90s. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, is a kart racer and competed against many F1 drivers like Jenson Button in her youth. He has a younger sister named Victoria Jane Verstappen.

Max Verstappen's Karting Career

Karting is the base for F1 racing, and Max was unbelievably very good at it. When he was seven, he won the regional and national karting championships. In 2010, he began his international karting and dominated the KF3 and KF1 categories. In 2013, he won the World KZ Championship, which is the top level of Karting and moved to the next level, Formula 1 racing. His father was the one who trained him as a karting driver.

Max Verstappen's F1 debut

The Dutch driver tried to become a Mercedes driver, but he didn't get a chance because of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko saw his talent and immediately signed him to their Red Bull junior driver program. 

At 17 years of age, Max Verstappen debuted in F1 for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team (now VCARB), an Italy-based F1 team and the junior team of Red Bull. His first race was at the Australian Grand Prix; he qualified P12 but retired due to an engine failure. He made his Red Bull debut in the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, replacing Daniil Kvyat and won the race on his debut after Lewis and Nico crashed on the opening lap.

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How old is Max Verstappen?

 The Red Bull driver is 27 years old as of 2025. He also became the father of a girl child named Lily. He is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of multiple-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet. Verstappen has been living in Monte Carlo, Monaco, since 2015. 

Also Read: Max Verstappen becomes father of a baby girl just before 2025 F1 Miami GP

Max Verstappen's full name

His full name is Max Emilian Verstappen. His name originates from the Latin word ‘Maximus’, which means ‘The Greatest’. Emilian is a Roman name that means ‘eager’, and Verstappen is the surname taken from his father, Jos Verstappen. Verstappen is derived from the Dutch word ‘Van Der Stappen’, meaning ‘From the steps or path’. He unites Latin, Roman and Dutch culture together.

Max Verstappen Nationality

He was born in Hasselt, Belgium and is Dutch by nationality. He was influenced by his Dutch father, Jos Verstappen, so he chose the Netherlands as his home Grand Prix. Max spent most of his childhood in the Netherlands and is largely influenced by the Dutch culture. He is called the Dutch Lion and has always represented the Dutch Republic's lion symbol internationally.

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