Max Verstappen has been one of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1 in recent years, breaking records and redefining the sport. His relentless drive and aggressive racing style have made him a fan favorite, but there’s much more to him than what we see on the track.
From his unique pre-race rituals to his unexpected off-track hobbies, Verstappen’s life is filled with fascinating details that many fans might not be aware of. We’ve taken a closer look at some lesser-known facts about the Dutch superstar, revealing sides of him that go beyond his championship-winning performances.
Relaxed Pre-Race Routine
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Unlike many drivers who intensely focus before a race, Verstappen prefers to relax by playing video games like FIFA or Call of Duty. He believes it helps him stay calm and keeps his mind fresh before hitting the track.
Verstappen isn’t just fast in real life—he’s also a skilled sim racer. He frequently competes in iRacing and other virtual competitions, even winning the 24-hour virtual Daytona race with his team.
Although born in Belgium, Verstappen chose to race under the Dutch flag. He has both Belgian and Dutch citizenship but identifies more with the Netherlands due to his upbringing and strong connection with his father.
Multilingual Skills
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Verstappen speaks multiple languages, including Dutch, English, and German. He also has some knowledge of French, which comes in handy when communicating with different teams and drivers in the F1 paddock.
FIFA Expertise
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Not only is Verstappen competitive on the track, but he’s also an exceptional FIFA player. He has ranked among the top 50 players in FIFA Ultimate Team worldwide, showcasing his skills beyond motorsport.
Passionate Football Fan
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Verstappen is a devoted football fan and closely follows FC Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. Despite his intense racing schedule, he always finds time to keep up with his favorite teams.
In 2020, Verstappen purchased a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet from Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. More recently, in 2025, he upgraded to a Dassault Falcon 8X, further solidifying his love for aviation.
Relationship with Kelly Piquet
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Since 2020, Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet. In December 2024, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together.
Love for Cats
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Verstappen is a big cat lover and owns three Bengal cats named Jimmy, Sassy, and Donatello. He often shares moments with them on social media, showing his softer side off the track.
Brief Stint as an Aircraft Mechanic
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Before making it to Formula 1, Verstappen briefly worked as an aircraft mechanic. This experience helped him develop a strong technical understanding, which he still applies when discussing car setups with his engineers.
Beyond racing, Verstappen has a deep interest in music production. In his free time, he experiments with creating electronic music, proving that his talents extend beyond motorsport.
Early Racing Start
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Verstappen’s journey to F1 began early—he competed in his first karting race at just seven years old. His natural talent was evident from the start, setting the foundation for his rapid rise through the ranks.
No Driver’s License at F1 Debut
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When Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut at 17, he wasn’t legally allowed to drive on public roads. This led the FIA to introduce a rule requiring drivers to be at least 18 years old before competing in F1.
