Max Emilian Verstappen, a Dutch-Belgian Formula One driver racing under the Dutch flag for Red Bull Racing, was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. His father is former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, and his mother was Belgian karting champion Sophie Kumpen. The journey of Max to Formula 1 was swift and impressive. He was successful at karting and progressed directly to the FIA European Formula 3 Championship in 2014. In the series, he attracted attention from Red Bull and landed a contract with their junior team, Toro Rosso.
At 17, in the year 2015, Verstappen debuted for Formula 1 and thus, became the youngest competitor for the sport. In little time, he gained an aggressive and fearless style, which made him a threat to others. From the word go, his talent and potential made him win his first podium finish in his second race. In 2016, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing on his debut for the team and won the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest to win a race at F1 at 18 years and 228 days. He became the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship for four successive years: between 2021 and 2024 Verstappen firmly asserted his position to be counted amongst the absolute best drivers, ever.
What ethnicity is Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen is a Dutch racing driver from a unique background in the Dutch and Belgian races. Max Verstappen was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium to Jos Verstappen a former Dutch Formula 1 driver, and Sophie Kumpen a Belgian karting champion, making him dual nationality but chooses to race under the Dutch flag.
Max was born in Belgium and initially held Belgian citizenship, Verstappen was at a young age taken by his father to live in the Netherlands after his parents split up. He spent most of his formative years in the Netherlands, especially in Maaseik, which borders directly with the Dutch side. This upbringing largely defined him; Verstappen often claims he feels more Dutch than Belgian. In interviews, he also admits that even though born in Belgium, he was more of the "Dutchman" owing to his daily activities, from school to social life mostly being in the Netherlands.
In 2015 when Verstappen took on the Formula 1 races and was only 17 then, he competed under his name as a Belgian. However, when he turned 18, he assumed a Dutch identity, thus having fully identified himself with being Dutch. Despite this decision, he has acknowledged and taken pride in his Belgian heritage, confirming that both sides of him play a role in the life of Verstappen. His mixed ethnicity, during races, is noticed by fans from both countries waving flags. His dual origins make him more appealing at a broader level in automobile racing, as he manages to connect with fans coming from both Belgium and Holland.
Also Read About: Max Verstappen Parents
FAQs on Max Verstappen ethnicity
Max Verstappen is a Dutch racing driver, who currently competes in Formula 1 for Red Bull Racing.
Max Verstappen's father is Jos Verstappen, was also a Formula 1 driver.
Max made his F1 debut in 2015 with the Toro Rosso team.
Max has won four consecutive F1 World Championships from 2021 to 2024.
