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Max Verstappen Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 6, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth30 September 1997

Age26 Years

BirthplaceHasselt, Belgium

ProfessionRacing Driver

NationalityDutch

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyFather: Jos Verstappen; Mother: Sophie Kumpen

Max Verstappen Biography

Max Verstappen is a Dutch Formula 1 driver known for his rapid rise from karting to the top of the sport. A two-time world champion by 2022, Verstappen is著

Early life and background

Max Emilian Verstappen was born on 30 September 1997 in Hasselt, Belgium. Raised in a family with deep roots in motorsport, he began karting before his fifth birthday and took part in his first competitive race at age six. His father, Jos Verstappen, raced in Formula 1 and acted as a prominent mentor during Max’s formative years, while his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a successful karting competitor. The family environment and early, intensive karting practice shaped his path into single-seater racing.

Verstappen spent his childhood training and competing around the Belgian and Dutch karting circuits. He attended St Ursula School in Maaseik, Belgium, but left formal education shortly before turning 17 to focus full time on a career in racing. Although born and raised in Belgium, Verstappen races under a Dutch license and has described feeling strongly connected to his Dutch heritage while also acknowledging ties to Belgium.

Career

Verstappen’s karting record is extensive and decorated. Between 2005 and 2013 he amassed multiple national and international titles, including victories in Rotax Max categories and major CIK-FIA championships. His success at junior level led to a place in the Red Bull Junior Team in late 2014, which opened the door to single-seater competition and ultimately Formula 1.

He made his Formula 1 debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 17 years and 166 days, setting a record for one of the youngest drivers to start an F1 race. Verstappen achieved a number of early milestones: he was the youngest driver to score championship points, to win a Grand Prix, to stand on an F1 podium and to lead a lap. His first Grand Prix victory came at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

As a Red Bull Racing driver, Verstappen accumulated fastest laps and continued to climb the sport’s ranks. He earned multiple awards recognizing his performances and promise, including Rookie of the Year honors and national sporting accolades. By 2021 he had achieved a Grand Slam and that year marked his first Formula 1 World Championship. He retained the title in 2022, making him a back-to-back world champion.

Verstappen is noted for an aggressive, competitive driving style that produced both celebrated successes and on-track incidents over the years. His record includes numerous fastest laps and race wins, and he has continued to be a central figure at Red Bull Racing through the seasons covered by this profile.

Public profile

Physically, Verstappen is listed at about 5 feet 11.26 inches (181 cm) and around 72 kg (159 lbs). He has dark brown hair and turquoise-coloured eyes. Known by some fans and media as "Mad Max," a nickname tied to his bold defensive driving, Verstappen has indicated he does not particularly appreciate that label.

Off the track he enjoys sim racing, riding jet skis, quad bikes and motorbikes, and playing video games. He supports football clubs FC Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven, and has cited Johan Cruyff as a sporting influence. His preferred racing circuit is Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, a track he has long admired.

Family and personal life

Verstappen is the son of Jos Verstappen and Sophie Kumpen. His parents separated while he was in primary school; he remained living with his father to focus on his racing development. He has several siblings and half-siblings. As of the information in this profile, he is unmarried and has no children. His relationship status listed in this material names Kelly Piquet as his partner.

He maintains residences and professional ties that align with his role at Red Bull Racing, and fan mail contact details have been published through his team address in Milton Keynes, UK.

Latest updates

By 2022 Verstappen had secured consecutive Formula 1 World Championships. His on-track career includes notable moments that prompted strong public reaction and regulatory attention, and he has received prestigious awards such as the Laureus Sportsman of the Year in 2022 and the Best Driver ESPY Award in 2023. His status as one of the leading drivers in contemporary Formula 1 is reflected in his race records, awards and continued presence with Red Bull Racing.
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Recent Work

Formula One World Championship (2021)

Won his first Formula 1 World Championship.

2021
Formula One World Championship (2022)

Retained the Formula 1 World Championship, becoming a back-to-back champion.

2022
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Career Highlights

  1. Youngest driver to score F1 points
  2. Youngest Grand Prix winner
  3. Multiple national and international karting championships
  4. Back-to-back Formula 1 World Champion (2021, 2022)
  5. Winner of Laureus Sportsman of the Year (2022)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Max Verstappen born?

30 September 1997

What is Max Verstappen known for?

Racing Driver

What is Max Verstappen’s marital status?

Unmarried