Max' life in the fast lane, part 2

Published on 04 May 2015 by Stefan Meens

Last week we published the first part of an in depth interview with Max Verstappen. Below the second and final part in which Verstappen.nl chats to the Dutch youngster about his experiences in the Formula 1 paddock and his life back home.

It has been a busy 2015 so far for Max. After an intense pre-season, the Formula 1 world championship kicked off in Melbourne and via Malaysia, China and Bahrain, the European segment of the series is upcoming. “We’ve already had four Grand Prix and time really flies as I’m so busy during and in between the weekends.” 

His life might be hectic but it is all worth it when he steps into the STR10. “It's just the best feeling in the world”, reveals Max. “That's what I live for, racing on track”, which is also where he believes his strengths as a racing driver lie. “My starts, overtaking skills and race speed are the areas I make a difference. It's quite hard to explain why and how but I seem to have the awareness to be at the right place, at the right time when overtaking.”

Away from the track, the factory and simulator, Max enjoys his time at home. “Usually my days start with me playing with my little sister, who just turned 8 months old. After that, or after a press day, I'll do some cardio. I'll either go for a run or jump on my bike. I love cycling, especially now that the weather improves. Even on the bike, I always try to improve. And even tough an F1 driver will never win the Tour de France, it's a great way to stay fit. Apart from that, I'll spend some time in the gym to increase my strength and train my neck. We try to keep the exercises varied so it remains fun to do.”

Most of his peers are in school preparing for exams. Max, on the other hand: “It's difficult to focus on school and it just makes sense to concentrate on my F1 career. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity whereas I can always go back to school.” The youngster aims to finish school by the time he is eighteen, via private (online) tuition. “Being in a classroom was never my favourite thing. I mean, I was good at studying but I found it hard to concentrate. It felt terrible to be in class all day. I would rather be outside and be active so school did feel like it was holding me back on that front.”

Max believes a lack of school did not leave him unprepared in his career. “Life experiences have definitely been more important than the stuff I've learned in school. It's easier to learn languages when you're travelling around the world. I quickly learned German when racing at circuits. Of course, school teaches you a lot of valuable things but they don’t contribute to me as driver. But if you want to be an engineer for example, you really need a higher education.”

In the wake of his Grand Prix début, many friends, family and fans got together to see Max race. “It's great to hear those stories. It definitely gives you a boost to do the best possible job on track.” Despite the Belgian Grand Prix still several months away, the Dutchman is looking forward to the round at Spa-Francorchamps. “It would be amazing to see a lot of orange in the stands because it's an amazing feel to see all those fans. Who knows, that extra bit of motivation might push me a tenth quicker and further up the grid.”

It is not just the fans that are impressed with Max' career so far. Both experts in the paddock and media have praised the 17-year-old's performance so far. “There's always good things and bad things said bout you. But it's great to hear all the positive responses, especially as I’m still young.” More importantly, Max made a positive impression on his colleges. “I've had a chat with most drivers and we talk more and more. They see that I’m doing a good job which means they respect me more and more.”

All the recent praise from the media aside, what does Max think of himself? “I find it hard to say that without sounding arrogant”, says the F1 rookie. But after some nudging, he eventually answers: “Professional, driven, sportsmanship and relaxed.”