Verstappen's mother on 2021 title fight: "He was completely out of it"

Behind the wheel, Verstappen is not a man to be trifled with. In 2021, he fought a thrilling battle with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for his first title. In an intense final stage of the season's final race, the Red Bull driver took the title. The season's victory cost him not only a lot of physical strength and racing skill, but also a lot of mental strength. His mother tells the Dutch Heroes magazine about the days after winning his title.

Verstappen is mentally exhausted after winning title

Kumpen: "He came to my house a few days later and was completely exhausted. He was mentally exhausted and just wanted to be at home. I made his favourite food and we enjoyed a few quiet days together." The story Kumpen tells about the reigning world champion does not correspond to how we know Verstappen on the track. Kumpen: "His critics often say that Max is an aggressive driver and therefore also an aggressive person. I find that strange. If you know Max, you know he has a big heart and that he enjoys being good to others. But, as I said, when you put the helmet on, you become a completely different person."

Kumpen emphasises that Verstappen has a big heart and that, unlike his father Jos Verstappen, he enjoys making time for his fans. She quotes her son: "You should always make time for your fans, whether they are young or old, it is a great honour." Especially for younger fans, Verstappen makes time, says his mother: "He really loves children and always makes time for them."