Max Verstappen may be a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, but his life off the track is just as fascinating as his record-breaking achievements on it. Known for his fearless racing style and unwavering focus, Max has also carved out a vibrant personal life full of unexpected passions and quirky details. Here are 12 lesser-known facts about the Dutch prodigy that show there’s more to him than just racing:

He Started Racing at Four

Max began karting under the guidance of his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen. By seven, he was already competing in European karting events, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in motorsport.

He Competed in F1 Before He Had a Driver's License

At just 17, Max became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history during a record-breaking signing for Toro Rosso. While he was breaking records on the track, he wasn’t legally allowed to drive on public roads until his 18th birthday.

He Was Ranked 21st in the World in FIFA

Max isn’t just a maestro behind the wheel—he’s a skilled gamer too. Competing under the alias "crgboy007," he reached #21 globally in FIFA rankings in January 2019. "CRG" is likely a nod to CRG Kart, a team instrumental in his early racing career.

His Favourite Foods Are Simple and Comforting

Max loves Italian cuisine, particularly carpaccio, and has a soft spot for Dutch classics like mashed potatoes, "frikandel special," and tomato soup—a childhood comfort food.

A Glimpse Into His Dating History

Before his ongoing relationship with Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of 3-time world champion Nelson Piquet, Max Verstappen was linked to a few individuals, including German student Dilara Sanlik, with whom he had a relatively private relationship around 2017, and Belgian student Joyce Godefridi, who appeared in social media posts with him in 2016. Though Max's earlier relationships were less public, they highlight a quieter side of his personal life compared to his current, more open partnership with Kelly.

He Loves Sim Racing as Much as Real Racing

Max is deeply involved in virtual racing and regularly competes with Team Redline, one of the world’s most prestigious eSports racing teams. His passion for precision extends from the track to the screen—where he happens to be one of the most successful e-racers currently competing on the global stage. Max's sim racing setup is also nothing short of spectacular, reportedly costing between $15,000 and $35,000. It includes a Playseat F1 Ultimate cockpit, Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals, and multiple high-end monitors.

He’s a Multilingual Powerhouse

Growing up in a Belgian-Dutch household, Max is fluent in Dutch, English, and German. He even honed his German while karting alongside Michael Schumacher's son, Mick.

He’s Afraid of Spiders and Sharks

Despite his fearless driving style, Max has admitted to having a phobia of spiders and sharks. Even champions have their relatable quirks!

He’s a Proud Cat Parent

Max owns two Bengal cats, Jimmy and Sassy, named after his favourite nightclubs in Monaco. His love for animals is so strong that he’s joked about wanting to own 100 cats someday—the latest addition to his cat family is named Donatello, co-parented by him and Kelly.

He Supports Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven

When he’s not racing, Max closely follows football. He’s an ardent fan of FC Barcelona and Dutch team PSV Eindhoven, keeping up with matches whenever his schedule allows.

Honoured by Dutch Royalty

In 2022, Max was named an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, a prestigious title awarded for his contributions to motorsport and his impact as a global ambassador for the Netherlands.