Max Verstappen is a Belgian and Dutch racing driver who competes in Formula One for Red Bull Racing.
He is a three-time World Champion, winning the titles in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Verstappen, the son of former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen, made his F1 debut in 2015 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest driver to start an F1 race.
Known for his instinctive racing style and aggressive driving, he has achieved numerous victories and accolades in his career, solidifying his position as one of the top drivers in the sport.
Net worth | $90 million |
Profession | Racing driver |
Date of birth | September 30, 1997 |
Nationality | Belgian, Dutch |
Background and early life
Verstappen was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium.
His parents are Jos Verstappen, a former Formula One driver, and Sophie Kumpen.
Verstappen’s racing career began at a young age, influenced by his father’s guidance and his mother’s own racing background.
He started karting in Genk, Belgium, at a very early age and quickly excelled in the sport.
By 2013, Verstappen had achieved significant success in karting competitions before transitioning to single-seater racing.
His early life was marked by his passion for vehicles from a young age, driving quad bikes at two and starting karting at four-and-a-half years old after persistent requests to his parents.
Verstappen’s upbringing involved intense training and preparation under the guidance of his father to hone his racing skills.
Despite facing unconventional and tough methods during his education in racing, his journey led him to become a fast, instinctive driver with remarkable adaptability and maturity on the track.
Net worth
Verstappen’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million.
His wealth primarily stems from his substantial salary as a Formula One driver, with additional earnings from lucrative sponsorship deals with companies like Electronic Arts and Heineken.
Verstappen’s opulent lifestyle is evident through his collection of high-performance cars, including luxury brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche.
Furthermore, he invests in assets like a luxurious penthouse in Monte Carlo and a private jet, showcasing his financial success and extravagant spending habits.
Salary and contracts
Verstappen’s salary and contracts in Formula 1 have been a topic of significant interest and discussion due to their record-breaking nature.
In early 2022, he signed a groundbreaking contract with Red Bull worth $55.3 million per year, extending up to 2028, making it one of the longest contracts in the sport.
This lucrative deal solidified his position as the highest-paid driver on the grid, surpassing Hamilton’s previous earnings at Mercedes.
The contract not only includes a substantial base salary but also performance bonuses and various sponsorship deals, enhancing his overall income.
Additionally, Red Bull awards its drivers bonuses based on race wins and championship achievements, further boosting Verstappen’s earnings.
His success on the track and marketability have attracted significant sponsorship deals with iconic brands like TAG Heuer, EA Sports and others, contributing to his financial prosperity and securing his future with the championship-winning team for years to come.
EA Sports partnership
Verstappen signed an endorsement deal with EA Sports, a significant partnership that includes branding on the chin of his helmet for the 2023 Formula 1 season.
This collaboration with EA Sports, a renowned games producer, marks a notable milestone in Verstappen’s sponsorship portfolio.
The deal involves not only branding on his helmet but also collaboration to create content across EA Sports’ gaming portfolio.
Verstappen’s association with EA Sports is a testament to his status as a top athlete and his affinity for gaming, given his participation in virtual endurance events and ownership of an esports outfit.
This partnership signifies a strategic alignment between Verstappen and EA Sports, leveraging his influence and gaming interests to engage fans and enhance the gaming experience for Formula 1 enthusiasts.
Heineken collaboration
Verstappen recently signed a significant sponsorship deal with Heineken worth €30 million for six years, equivalent to $32,400,000.
This partnership with Heineken, a Dutch beer brand, positions Verstappen as the face of their ‘When You Drive, Never Drink’ campaign.
The collaboration aims to promote responsible drinking and non-alcoholic beer, aligning with Heineken’s efforts to engage with a new generation of fans and drivers in Formula 1.
Verstappen’s association with Heineken underscores his growing popularity and impact on the sport, contributing to the brand’s global sponsorship platform.
This deal not only highlights the financial benefits for Verstappen but also emphasizes the strategic partnership between a Dutch icon like Verstappen and a renowned brand like Heineken, leveraging their shared Dutch heritage and global reach to enhance their marketing initiatives and fan engagement.
Viaplay deal
Verstappen has signed a multi-year content deal with Viaplay, a streaming service owned by the Nordic Entertainment Group.
This lucrative agreement includes branding on his Formula 1 helmet and exclusive documentary programming detailing his life on and off the track.
Viaplay subscribers across various territories will have access to behind-the-scenes material featuring Verstappen.
The partnership extends to Verstappen becoming an ambassador for Viaplay in licensed markets, with his father, Jos Verstappen, joining Viaplay’s panel of expert pundits.
This collaboration not only enhances Viaplay’s marketing efforts but also provides unique content for fans, showcasing Verstappen’s journey in Formula 1 and his personal life.
The deal underscores the strategic alignment between Verstappen and Viaplay, leveraging his popularity and Viaplay’s streaming platform to engage audiences and offer exclusive insights into the world of Formula 1.
Red Bull Verstappen Racing
Red Bull Verstappen Racing is a collaborative initiative between Red Bull and Verstappen.com, founded in 2022 to unite various forms of motorsport under one umbrella.
This partnership stems from Verstappen’s passion for motorsport beyond Formula One, aiming to expand the Verstappen name into GT3 racing, rallying and virtual racing.
The close relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull has led to the creation of a platform that integrates racing projects from both the virtual and real worlds.
The mission of Verstappen.com Racing is to support racing teams and drivers from both realms to maximize their potential.
Verstappen, as the co-founder and driving force behind this venture, brings his expertise as a double Formula One World Champion to drive the success of Red Bull Verstappen Racing.
This collaboration symbolizes the fusion of brand identities between Verstappen and Red Bull, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing motorsport across different disciplines and engaging fans worldwide.
Car collection
Verstappen’s car collection is a reflection of his passion for high-performance vehicles and luxury cars, valued at an estimated total of $6.4 million.
Among his impressive collection are a yellow Renault Clio, a sentimental gift from his parents, a Renault R.S. 01, his first purchase worth $400,000, several Aston Martins including a DB11, a 2018 Vantage and a DBS Superleggera and the prized Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar valued at $2.7 million.
Additionally, his collection features a Ferrari 488 Pista, Ferrari Monza SP2, Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG and Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Verstappen’s car collection exemplifies his appreciation for modern, high-performance vehicles and luxury brands, showcasing his success and lavish lifestyle beyond the confines of the Formula 1 track.
Real estate properties
Verstappen’s real estate portfolio includes a luxurious penthouse in Monaco valued at over $16 million.
This multi-million dollar property in Monaco’s Fontvielle district offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and is situated in one of the world’s most exclusive areas.
Despite his substantial earnings from his Red Bull contract and endorsements, Verstappen chooses to rent this lavish penthouse rather than purchase it outright.
The penthouse features a spacious layout with white walls, wooden flooring and a large balcony that doubles as a gym where he works out during his downtime.
Additionally, the property is conveniently located near a Rolls-Royce garage, adding to the allure of his upscale Monaco residence.
Private jet
Verstappen owns a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet, which he acquired from Richard Branson in 2020 for an impressive £12 million.
This jet, registered as PH-DTF, boasts a maximum range of 4,725 nautical miles (8,750 kilometers) and a top speed of 554 mph (893 km/h).
The interior of the jet is designed for luxury and comfort, featuring seating for up to 12 passengers, with two seats that can extend into a full-size bed.
Additionally, the cabin includes tables for dining and a bar for added convenience and relaxation during flights.
Verstappen’s private jet is not only a mode of transportation but also a symbol of his success and lifestyle off the Formula 1 circuit, providing him with the flexibility and comfort to travel between races and glamorous locations around the world in style.
Early career
Verstappen began his racing journey at a remarkably young age.
His parents, deeply involved in motorsport, influenced his passion for racing.
Verstappen’s karting career commenced at the age of four, where he quickly gained recognition by winning various championships.
Transitioning to single-seater racing in 2014, he debuted in Formula 1 at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest driver to start an F1 race.
His upbringing involved intense training and exposure to the intricacies of racing, shaping him into a well-prepared driver for the highest level of motorsport.
Verstappen’s early immersion in the world of racing, guided by his family’s racing background, laid the foundation for his exceptional talent and success in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen breakthrough
Verstappen’s breakthrough in Formula 1 can be attributed to several key moments and realizations in his career.
One significant turning point was in 2018 when he recognized the need to change his crash-prone approach after a challenging start to the season.
This shift in mindset led to improved competitiveness and a more consistent performance.
Additionally, his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, highlighted another crucial breakthrough in 2020 when Verstappen understood the importance of being consistent and finishing races to compete for championships effectively.
These pivotal moments, coupled with his evolving driving style and strategic adjustments, have propelled Verstappen to the pinnacle of F1 success, culminating in multiple World Championships and a dominant presence on the track.
Notable races
Some of Verstappen’s notable races include his impressive performance at Imola in 2014, where he showcased his exceptional overtaking skills by climbing from 13th to 2nd position in the European Formula 3 championship.
Another remarkable race was at Spa-Francorchamps in 2022, where despite starting from 14th due to a grid penalty, he displayed dominance by setting the fastest time in qualifying and making a remarkable recovery drive to secure victory.
These races highlight Verstappen’s talent, determination, and ability to deliver outstanding performances under challenging circumstances, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier Formula 1 driver.
Awards and accolades
Verstappen has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, highlighting his exceptional talent and achievements in motorsport.
Some of his notable awards include the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year in 2022, Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year in 2016.
Verstappen also FIA Personality of the Year in 2016 and subsequent years, FIA Action of the Year for his move on Nico Rosberg in the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2016, Dutch Sportsman of the Year in 2016, 2021 and 2022 and the NOC*NSF Young Talent Award in 2014.
These accolades underscore Verstappen’s exceptional success and recognition in the racing world, solidifying his position as one of the premier drivers in Formula 1 history.
Philanthropic efforts
Verstappen has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to society.
One notable initiative was organizing a virtual sim race and donating the proceeds to charity.
This event, spearheaded by Verstappen, showcased his dedication to supporting charitable causes.
Additionally, he participated in charity soccer games and contributed to philanthropic sim races, highlighting his engagement in using his platform to make a positive impact beyond the realm of motorsport.
Verstappen’s involvement in these charitable activities underscores his generosity and desire to contribute to meaningful causes, showcasing his role as a socially conscious athlete.
Max Verstappen family
Verstappen’s family has played a significant role in shaping his racing career.
His father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver, competed for teams like Benetton, Tyrrell and Minardi.
Jos has been involved in various racing series and has notable achievements in A1 Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Sophie also had a successful karting career, winning the Andrea Margutti Trophy in the Formula A series.
Verstappen has a sister named Victoria Verstappen, who has also been involved in karting.
Additionally, Verstappen has a stepbrother named Jason Jaxx and two stepsisters named Blue Jaye and Mila Faye from Jos’s subsequent marriages.
Verstappen’s maternal grandfather, Robert Kumpen, was involved in karting internationally and promoted initiatives for young karting drivers.
The Verstappen family’s deep involvement in motorsport highlights the strong racing heritage that has influenced Max’s journey to becoming a three-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.