MAX VERSTAPPEN is considered one of the brightest youngsters in Formula One as he looks to challenge for World Championship titles in the future.
The Red Bull ace has been a close challenger to Mercedes and Ferrari in recent seasons – but is his racing ambition fuelled through his family?
Max Verstappen has quite a famous family in Belgian and Dutch sports, including his younger sister Victoria
Who is Max Verstappen’s family?
Father – Jos Verstappen
It is not a surprise that Max became a racing driver, having regularly been at the tracks during his Dad’s F1 career.
Verstappen Sr drove for Benetton, Tyrrell and Minardi among others in a career that spanned from 1994 to 2003.
While Max already has five victories under his belt, Jos, also known as the Dutch Devil, only managed two third place finishes in his first season – retiring 57 times in 106 races.
Verstappen Sr competed in the 2005-06 season of A1 Grand Prix for Netherlands, winning in South Africa, before claiming victory in 24 Hours of Le Mans with Van Merksteijn Motorsport in 2008.
Jose Verstappen, right, was a regular in the F1 before winning the 24 Hours of Le MansCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mother – Sophie Kumpen
Max Verstappen’s mum also had racing in her blood, enjoying a relatively successful karting career.
She won the Andrea Margutti Trophy in Formula A series in 1995, while counting ex-F1 drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Jarno Trulli as former opponents.
Max Verstappen’s mum was a former karting champion, driving alongside future F1 stars
Uncle – Anthony Kumpen
If it was not already clear, the Verstappens like to race and Max’s uncle is no different.
Anthony Kumpen initially competed at karting level, before stepping up to win the GT2 championship in 1998 – following that up with the GT title 12 months later.
The Belgian often competed in endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
But he has since enjoyed success in NASCAR, winning the 2014 and 2016 championships in the Euro Series – which included beating Mathias Lauda, son of F1 legend Niki.
Grandfather – Robert Kumpen
A change of sport for Max Verstappen’s granddad as Robert Kumpen is a former president of Belgian football club KRC Genk.
He held the position from 1993 to 1995.
Victoria Verstappen has followed in the family’s footsteps into racing, but also enjoys fashion
Sister – Victoria Verstappen
With several members of Max’s family former racers, there was no surprise he took to a life in the fast lane.
Yet, so did his sister, with Victoria-Jane spending time in karting.
Still only 20, there is plenty of time for her to step up, but has since been helping Red Bull Netherlands behind the scenes.
Victoria is also very active on social media, with over 110,000 followers on Instagram along with having her own fashion line, Unleash the Lion.
Victoria Verstappen joined Red Bull Netherlands in 2017 to help behind the scenes
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
