Max Emilian Verstappen, the acclaimed Formula 1 driver, was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. His birth occurred at the Hasselt hospital, allowing both his parents to spend time with him before his father, Jos Verstappen, traveled to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix.
This Belgian birthplace is a key aspect of his dual heritage.
Verstappen’s early life was significantly shaped by his parents’ racing backgrounds. His father, Jos Verstappen, was a former Dutch Formula 1 driver, while his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a successful Belgian kart racer.
This combination of nationalities provided Max with claims to both Belgian and Dutch citizenship.
Max Verstappen’s Belgian Birthplace
Max Verstappen’s birth in Hasselt, Belgium, on September 30, 1997, established his initial connection to the country. Hasselt is a city with approximately 80,000 inhabitants, located close to the Belgian border with the Netherlands.
This geographical proximity played a role in his upbringing across two nations.
Despite his Belgian birth, Verstappen spent a significant portion of his formative years in Maaseik, a Belgian town situated directly on the Dutch border. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, is Belgian, and she had to sign his initial Formula 1 contract as he was still a minor at the time.
This detail highlights his official Belgian ties early in his career.
Dutch Identity and Upbringing
While born in Belgium, Max Verstappen proudly competes under the Dutch flag in Formula 1. He identifies strongly as Dutch, a sentiment he has expressed publicly.
Verstappen stated that he primarily lived in Belgium to sleep, but spent his days in the Netherlands with his friends.
His upbringing was largely influenced by his Dutch father, Jos Verstappen, and he was consistently surrounded by Dutch people during his karting activities. This environment fostered his strong Dutch identity.
Verstappen made the decision to race under the Dutch flag when he was eighteen years old.
Max Verstappen’s racing license is Dutch, and he represents the Netherlands in all Formula 1 competitions. He became the first Dutch driver to win a Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2021.
This achievement further solidified his status as a Dutch sporting icon.
Jos Verstappen’s Dutch Heritage
Max Verstappen’s father, Johannes Franciscus “Jos” Verstappen, was born on March 4, 1972, in Montfort, Netherlands. Jos Verstappen is a former Dutch Formula 1 driver who competed in the sport between 1994 and 2003.
He is also a racing and rally driver.
Jos Verstappen began his competitive kart racing career at the age of eight in Dutch Limburg. He achieved significant success in karting, including two senior European Championships in 1989.
His career progressed through Formula Opel Lotus and German Formula Three before reaching Formula 1.
Jos Verstappen is recognized as the Netherlands’ second-most successful Formula 1 driver, surpassed only by his son, Max. He scored two podium finishes during his Formula 1 career, both third-place results in 1994.
His racing pedigree undoubtedly influenced Max’s path in motorsport.
Max Verstappen’s Current Residences
Max Verstappen has resided in Monaco since 2015, the same year he made his Formula 1 debut. Monaco is a popular residential hub for many Formula 1 drivers due to its favorable tax environment, privacy, and luxurious lifestyle.
He initially lived in a luxury apartment in the Fontvieille district.
More recently, Verstappen has moved into Le Renzo, an exclusive residential complex within Monaco’s new Mareterra district. This ultra-luxury development overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is also home to other prominent F1 drivers, including Charles Leclerc.
The building was completed at the end of 2024.
Beyond Monaco, Max Verstappen also owns a villa at The Thermal Club in California. This private motorsport resort, located near Palm Springs, offers a private racing circuit and warm weather year-round.
The property is valued at approximately $7 million.
Max Verstappen’s Age and Career Milestones
Born on September 30, 1997, Max Verstappen is 29 years old as of October 2026. He made his Formula 1 debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 17 years and 166 days, becoming the youngest driver in the sport’s history to start a race.
This marked the beginning of a record-breaking career.
Verstappen secured his first Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, aged 18, making him the youngest-ever winner. He has since achieved four consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship titles from 2021 to 2024 with Red Bull Racing.
He is one of only five drivers in the sport’s history to achieve this feat.
As of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen has accumulated 73 race wins, 50 pole positions, 38 fastest laps, and 136 podium finishes in Formula 1. He holds several Formula 1 records, including the most wins in a season with 19, and the most podium finishes in a season with 21.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Emilian Verstappen |
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1997 |
| Age (October 2026) | 29 years old |
| Place of Birth | Hasselt, Belgium |
| Nationality | Dutch (competes under Dutch flag) and Belgian |
| Hometown (Raised) | Maaseik, Belgium |
| Current Primary Residence | Monaco (Le Renzo, Mareterra district) |
| Father’s Name | Jos Verstappen |
| Father’s Birthplace | Montfort, Netherlands |
| F1 Debut | 2015 Australian Grand Prix |
| First F1 Win | 2016 Spanish Grand Prix |
| World Championships | 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) |
| Current Team | Red Bull Racing |
