Max Verstappen belongs to a family of racers as both his parents have been actively involved in motorsports. The Dutchman got his first exposure driving when he was just two. He began by driving the electric off-roader before moving onto the petrol-powered go-kart at the age of four. By seven, he was already racing on a full-sized circuit.
Verstappen was presumably persuaded to drive at such a young age because of his familial background in racing. His father, Jos Verstappen, is a former Formula 1 driver who drove alongside the likes of Michael Schumacher.
Jos also played an instrumental role in shaping his son’s racing career by enforcing discipline in his life. The hardships for Max seemed to have paid off because of how good of a driver he has become today.
On the other hand, Max‘s mother, Sophie Kumpen, was also a renowned racer. She raced against the likes of 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button, and current Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. She was a very talented driver and had bright prospects until she got married to Jos Verstappen.
Speaking about this, the three-time world champion said as per The Times, “She was very good, but then she got married to my dad.” Nevertheless, Max Verstappen still owes his racing skills to his father.
Max Verstappen’s mother impressed lots of renowned figures in motorsport
As Max Verstappen continues to dominate the F1 grid, much of the credit goes to his mother who has already been a renowned motorsport driver during her time. Therefore, her accolades have also been very important in shaping the career of her world champion son. Sophie Kumpen was so quick that she earned the highest of praises from the biggest names in F1.
Eddie Jordan, a former F1 team boss, said in Formula For Success as per PlanetF1, “The only person I think that could have done that in my time is Max’s mum, because I think Max Verstappen’s mother was a serious, absolutely wonderfully quick girl and she could, without any question, have made it in my opinion in Formula 1.”
Jordan then concluded his remarks by stating that Kumpen did not get as much support as women should have received to make it to F1. The Irishman is adamant that the same needs to change moving forward.
