Max Verstappen is a prominent Belgian-Dutch racing driver. According to Formula One HQ, he boasts an impressive net worth of $200 million. He made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver in the history of the sport at just 17 years old. Max’s incredible achievements include winning the Formula One World Championship with Red Bull Racing in 2021. His legacy is also shaped by his family’s motorsport background, as his father, Jos Verstappen, was a Formula One driver.
Max began his career with Toro Rosso before joining Red Bull Racing in 2016. That year, he made history by winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the age of 18, becoming the youngest-ever driver to win a Formula 1 race. He continued to excel, securing a spot in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and becoming the first Dutch driver to claim a Formula One World Championship title. Verstappen’s success has fueled a resurgence for Honda-powered cars, with 19 victories to his name. Before his 2021 win, he finished third in both 2019 and 2020. In November 2023, Max clinched his third consecutive driver’s world championship.
Max Verstappen ranks among the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers worldwide. In 2020, he signed a three-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing, guaranteeing him a base annual salary of $55 million. By 2023, his earnings from Red Bull alone amounted to $67 million, including a $43 million salary and $24 million in bonuses. When accounting for endorsements from companies like Heineken and EA Sports, his total earnings for 2023 reached an estimated $80 million. Due to his Monaco residency, Verstappen benefits from a tax-free income.
Max Emilian Verstappen was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. Growing up in a motorsport-centric family, he was always destined for a racing career. His father, Jos, competed in Formula One, while his mother was involved in karting. Max also has relatives who raced in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. Though born in Belgium, Max identifies as Dutch and competes under the Dutch flag. Interestingly, he raced in Formula One for nearly a year before obtaining his driver’s license.
Max’s racing journey began at age four with karting, where he won several championships by 2007. In 2010, he moved to international karting, finishing second to Alexander Albon at the KF3 World Cup. By the end of 2012, Max had amassed several international titles and was ready to take on Formula racing.
Verstappen first tested a Formula Renault car in 2013, showing impressive lap times despite his youth. By 2014, he made his racing debut at the Florida Winter Series, quickly winning multiple races. He then stepped up to Formula Three, where he finished third in the European Championship, securing ten race wins. By this point, it was clear that Max was ready for Formula One.
Joining Red Bull’s Junior Team in 2014, Max made history as the youngest driver to participate in a Grand Prix weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix. Later that year, he became the youngest driver to start a World Championship race at just 17 years old. Despite early struggles, including a race retirement due to engine failure, Verstappen earned accolades like “Rookie of the Year” and “Personality of the Year” for his bold driving style.
Max’s time with Toro Rosso was brief, as he moved to Red Bull Racing in 2016, replacing Daniil Kvyat. That same year, he won the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever F1 race winner. His aggressive driving style often drew criticism, but Max proved his abilities by achieving remarkable feats, such as going from 16th to a podium finish in just 15 laps during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 2017 season saw several retirements for Max, caused by crashes and mechanical issues. However, by 2018, he began to show notable improvement, finishing the season in fourth place. In 2019, Max improved again, securing three wins and a third-place finish. He continued his success in 2020, earning another third-place finish, and in 2021, Max won his first Formula One World Championship after a dramatic final-lap victory over Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen has spent a significant portion of his wealth on luxury items, including a private jet worth around 12 million pounds ($16 million). Purchased in 2020 from Richard Branson, the Falcon-900EX jet boasts a range of nearly 9,000 km and top speeds of up to 892 km/h. Maintenance costs for the jet are approximately 1 million pounds annually, and it comes with an exclusive bar.
In addition to his jet, Max reportedly resides in a lavish 13-million-pound penthouse in Monte Carlo, although it is widely believed that he rents the property. Despite speculations, Verstappen insists that his choice of residence isn’t motivated by tax advantages.
As a Formula One driver, Max Verstappen is naturally known for his extensive car collection. A fan of Aston Martins, he was even waiting for the delivery of a 2-million-pound Valkyrie in 2021. Max’s collection is a testament to his success and passion for motorsports, with a focus on high-performance, luxury vehicles that reflect his taste for the finer things in life.
