Max Verstappen shares an interesting perspective on what needs to happen for women to make it to F1 (Exclusive)

Max Verstappen believes that greater investment at the grassroots level is essential to encourage more women in motorsport. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda in Abu Dhabi, the Red Bull champion shared his perspective, emphasizing the importance of women having the platform to race against men to gain a fair appraisal of their competitiveness.

Speaking during the 2023 Qatar GP weekend, Verstappen had acknowedged that more needed to be done to support women in the sport. He highlighted the challenges posed by the low rate of female participation, which made it even harder for them to break through, coupled with insufficient efforts to bridge the gap. The four-time world champion had also shared anecdotes about his mother, Sophie Kumpen, a former karting champion who was regarded as one of the most talented drivers of her generation.

A year later, Verstappen, in an exclusive sit-down with Sportskeeda, has reiterated the need for systemic change. Drawing parallels to his own experience racing against older and more experienced talent in karting, the Dutchman stressed that women need to compete and train alongside men to showcase their true potential. He also spoke about the need for long-term grassroots investment.

Asked by Sportskeeda what he had meant when he spoke about more efforts being needed to encourage women in F1, Verstappen said:

“It already starts from karting or whatever, sim racing. The percentage is very low, you know, of females in motorsports and that's why the percentage of making it to the top is even smaller. We have a lot of male drivers, but also a small percentage only makes it to Formula One, right? So for females even harder. And yeah, you know, you can also not say that, you know, two years ago, we need females in Formula One. You can't expect that in five years that it's done, you know, it takes a longer period of time, you know, you need to invest in the grassroots. And that's where it all starts.”

He further added:

“And then I believe personally that they have to race anyone, not just females. If you want a fair comparison, they need to race against males, because that's what they will do in F1 as well. So that's why I think that from go-karting, all the way to if you want to achieve the top, you need to raise the top. That’s my opinion. Of course, it's nice that they get opportunities, but they're not racing the top of the top you know what I mean and then I always feel that I grew up in go karting in racing older kids, when I was younger and they were faster. So I had to push myself you know I had to learn more I had to learn faster to become better at a young age and I think that is what they have to do as well."

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Max Verstappen outlines his interests and projects outside of Formula 1

Max Verstappen prefers to take a measured approach to his racing projects outside of Formula 1, choosing to progress step by step rather than diving in hastily. When asked about his life beyond F1, Max Verstappen dismissed the idea of pursuing studies, floated during a conversation with Sportskeeda.

He emphasized the importance of enjoying his downtime, spending quality moments with his family, and living life at his own pace. Asked if he had laid the foundation for some of his racing project endeavors which would build his legacy in the sport, Max Verstappen highlighted his involvement in ventures like DTM. He said,

"Step by step, yeah. I don’t want to also, you know, rush it just to get it kickstarted. It needs to have a value, like a proper start. Yeah, hopefully from next year onwards we can see already, you know, more. I mean, of course I already have to Verstappen.com racing, you know, DTM with my dad and rallying and my sim racing team and we just step -by -step, we just keep adding.”

Asked about his interests outside the world of racing such as fashion, business, or studying, he said:

“No, definitely not studying. I hate school. I was very happy that I could leave. Probably if I cannot do anything with racing, I just enjoy my life with family and friends and spend time with them. Of course, you always have businesses on the side, investments going, but besides, you just have to enjoy your life also.”

Asked if he was involved in a hands-on manner in his businesses, he replied:

“Yeah I do, of course I'm always in charge of every decision that is made but that runs, you know, that is just going. That's something that I need to be day -to -day on it but I know what's going on.”

Max Verstappen has carved a niche for himself as a relentless racing enthusiast on and off the Formula 1 track. As the owner of his simulator racing team, Verstappen has often emphasized his desire to leave a lasting legacy by contributing to the sport. Even during the off-season, his passion for motorsport remains unwavering. After the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, the Dutch champion was spotted at the Algarve International Circuit testing various cars, including a Ferrari GT3 from the DTM class.

In contrast to peers like Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton, who have diversified their interests outside motorsport, Max Verstappen remains deeply entrenched in racing year-round. Widely regarded as one of the best simulator racers globally, he has mastered technical circuits in various cars, showcasing his versatility and commitment. His focus on building his legacy and ventures firmly within the motorsport world reflects his dedication to the sport.

Beyond the track, Max Verstappen balances his career with personal milestones. During the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, he and his long-time partner Kelly Piquet announced their pregnancy, signaling a new chapter in their lives.