8 Years On, Max Verstappen Upholds 2-Word Advice From Father Jos While Looking Back at Stellar F1 Career

Max Verstappen has made quite a name for himself. Becoming a triple world champion at 26 is a testament to his might as a driver. However, one could say that he was destined for greatness from the very start. Born in the racing town of Hasselt, Belgium, in September 1997, Max’s trajectory to greatness was fueled by the wisdom of his seasoned F1 veteran father, Jos Verstappen. As he approaches his ninth season in Formula 1 for what looks like a certain 4th world title, Max Verstappen recently took a moment to reflect on his extraordinary journey in F1. A journey that began with a two-word piece of advice from his father.

The Dutchman’s entry into the world of Formula 1 itself was nothing short of a shocker. At the tender age of 17 years and five months, he became the youngest-ever starter in F1, making his debut with Toro Rosso in 2015. His meteoric rise continued when Red Bull Racing elevated him to their main team in 2016. In his debut race for the Milton-Keynes squad at the Spanish Grand Prix, Max clinched victory, setting a new record as the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner, surpassing the mark set by Sebastian Vettel by over two years.

Max Verstappen remembers the simple advice his father gave him even as he became a multiple world champion

A chance to realize his dream of becoming a world champion came to Verstappen in the 2021 season, marked by intense battles with Lewis Hamilton. The young Dutch driver found himself on equal points with Hamilton as they hurtled towards the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In a nail-biting finish, Max Verstappen seized the championship in the last lap, etching his name alongside the greats of Formula 1. With rule changes in 2022, the Dutchman capitalized on the resurgence of ground-effect cars that favored Red Bull. He secured two more consecutive championships and solidified his dominance in the sport.

In a recent interview with Oracle Red Bull Racing, as Max Verstappen gears up for his ninth season, he shared a glimpse into the advice that has been the bedrock of his success. “The best advice I’ve ever [been] given was I think from my dad. Just, you know, ‘be yourself’ and also, you know, when you get successful you have to ‘stay yourself’ like you were the first year. I think that’s really important. Yeah, ‘just be yourself,’ you know, don’t worry, don’t stress,“ Max revealed.

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It’s clear that the advice from his father extends beyond the racetrack for Max Verstappen. It’s a philosophy that defines his approach to life, racing, and the relentless pursuit of excellence even as he now envisions a future of being more than just a driver.

Verstappen would rather be a team leader post his F1 career than a driver

Dissatisfied with the current state of Formula 1, Max hinted at a potential exit from the sport by 2028. It’s also the year when his current contract with Red Bull will come to an end. However, his aspirations lie in team management, aspiring to be a team principal, possibly in GT Racing, post his F1 career, nurturing young talents and steering them towards success.

Already deeply immersed in the world of sim racing, the Dutchman aims to create a platform for emerging talents, focusing on skill and talent over social media presence. In an interview with Blick, Max expressed, “That is my goal. I don’t necessarily want to drive myself, but I want to build something big and give talented drivers a chance.“

“I would certainly be a no-bulls**t boss. Maybe a bit old-fashioned because it’s all about performance and not how connected you are to social media,” he added. His ultimate goal is crystal clear–to win. For Max Verstappen, winning isn’t just about the thrill of victory. It’s about silencing the noise and proving that, in the world of motorsport, performance is the ultimate currency.

He believes in the abundance of opportunities outside Formula 1 for drivers to enjoy the sport and make a living. “There are so many series in motorsport where you can have fun and be successful, and as a professional racing driver, you can also make a living from it. Not just in Formula 1,“ Max emphasizes.

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