Max collects four trophies at the CIK-FIA prize gala in Milan

Published on 12 January 2014 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was the star of the show as he was put in the spotlight by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA) for his extraordinary achievements in the European and world championships in 2013. The young Dutchman took the European titles in both the manual transmission (KZ) and automatic transmission (KF) championship. On top of that, he also clinched the KZ world title, meaning his 2013 season marked a unique achievement in over 60 years of karting history.

East End Studios' Spazio Antologico in Milan, hosted the prize gala at which trophies were given on behalf of the international karting federation. Apart from Max' titles mentioned above, Verstappen junior also received a trophy for his third place in the KF world championship. This meant the youngster took home a whopping four trophies, all of which he collected with a huge smile, under the eye of the other CIK-FIA prize winners, CIK-FIA president shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa and vice-president and karting enthusiast Kees van de Grint. Of course the Italian CRG factory team was present as well, cheering on Max as he received his prizes.

After the gala, Max reflected on the 2013 season: "It is amazing to realize what we have achieved in the last year and it fills me with pride. But I did not do this on my own. I was able to achieve this success because I was surrounded by many enthusiastic, motivated and professional people. Therefore I want to thank CRG-karts, GFR and TM-motors and of course my father for their tremendous support in the last few years."

Max Verstappen's international karting results 2013:

• 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

The last kart meeting regarding 2013, will be held January 18 at the Adria Raceway, when the WSK organisation will honour their championship winners. Max can put up another shelf for his trophie collection as he won the WSK Euro Series KZ1 and the WSK Master Series KZ2.

Niels Hendrix / Stefan Meens