Max Verstappen crowned world champion at FIA gala
Published on 07 December 2013 by Niels Hendrix
Max Verstappen was officialy crowned world champion karting 2013 at Friday night's FIA prize giving gala in Paris. The talented Dutchman was in great company as all the world champions of the official FIA championships were honoured, including Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel and world rally champion Sébastian Ogier.
The event, one of the most prestigious galas in motorsport, was held in the French capital after previous years saw the event hosted in Monaco, New Deli and Istanbul. The night kicked off in spectacular fashion as the famous Moulin Rouge dancers put on a beautiful performance during an exquisite dinner. Afterwards, it was time for the official part of the evening, whereby all champions winning the official FIA championships, received their trophies. The categories ranged from GT3 to GT1, touring cars (WTCC) to endurance (WEC) and of course single seater championships such as Formula 3 and Formula 1.
Applauded by racing legends and greats such as Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Alain Prost, Sir Jackie Stewart and current F1 aces Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber, Max took to the stage to receive his trophy, whilst being watched by his proud father Jos and several Formula 1 team bosses.
The acknowledgement by the FIA is a confirmation of Verstappen junior's unrivalled success achieved in 2013. Besides the world title in the KZ category for manual transmission karts, the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, took both European karting championships (KZ and KF). Max beat the best of the best in world karting on his way to rewrite history. In almost sixty years, not a single driver has dominated the sport in the way Max has. It is an achievement that did not go unnoticed as most of the motorsport elite witnessed the crowning of Max during the gala in Paris.
Max Verstappen's international kart results during the 2013 season:
• Champion CIK-FIA World Championship KZ • Third CIK-FIA World Championship KF • Champion CIK-FIA European Championship KZ • Champion CIK-FIA European Championship KF • Champion WSK Euro Series KZ1 • Champion WSK Master Series KZ2 • Winner Winter Cup KF2
Looking back on an almost unimaginable successful 2013, Max said: "I'm very proud of all the success achieved. The fact I won all these titles and championships together with my father, who tuned my engines, makes it all the more special. But of course I would also like to thank CRG-karts, GFR and TM-motors for their support in the last few years. I'm now looking forward to the next stage in my career, my debut in single seater racing!"
Niels Hendrix / Stefan Meens
