In the modern history of Formula 1, no driver has dominated his peers across consecutive seasons quite as completely as Max Verstappen. The Hasselt-born son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen and Belgian-Italian karting champion Sophie Kumpen, who entered F1 with Scuderia Toro Rosso at the age of seventeen — making him the youngest driver in F1 history — and who has now won four consecutive World Drivers' Championships from 2021 to 2024 with Red Bull Racing, is one of the most dominant drivers of the modern F1 era. Behind every podium sat one of motorsport's most intentional family stories.

The Family's Roots: Belgian and Dutch Motorsport

The Verstappen family is Belgian-Dutch with mixed heritage: paternal Dutch and maternal Belgian. Max was born in Hasselt, Belgium, on 30 September 1997, and holds Dutch nationality through his father.

His Father: Jos Verstappen

Johannes Franciscus "Jos" Verstappen, born 4 March 1972 in Montfort, Netherlands, is a former Formula 1 driver who raced for Benetton, Simtek, Footwork, Tyrrell, Stewart, Arrows, and Minardi between 1994 and 2003. He shaped almost every aspect of his son's early career — Jos personally drove young Max to karting circuits across Europe through his entire youth and trained him intensely.

His Mother: Sophie Kumpen

Sophie Kumpen, born 2 March 1975 in Hasselt, Belgium, is a former Belgian karting champion in her own right. She raced karts competitively at the European level through the 1990s and is widely regarded in motorsport circles as one of the most talented female kart racers of her generation. She and Jos separated in 2008.

His Sister: Victoria Verstappen

Victoria Verstappen, Max's younger sister, born 2001, has stayed out of public motorsport but has an Instagram presence and lives in Monaco.

His Partner: Kelly Piquet

Kelly Pamela Piquet, born 9 December 1988 in Homburg, Germany, is a Brazilian model and Formula 1 commentator — and the daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. Her relationship with Max became public in 2020. She has one daughter from a previous relationship with F1 driver Daniil Kvyat: Penelope Kvyat-Piquet, born 27 July 2019.

In May 2025, Max and Kelly welcomed their first daughter together — Lily Verstappen.

The Verstappen Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins

  • Father: Dutch (Montfort, Netherlands)
  • Mother: Belgian (Hasselt, Belgium)
  • Italian heritage on Sophie's maternal side

Parents

  • Father: Jos Verstappen (b. 4 March 1972) — former F1 driver (1994–2003)
  • Mother: Sophie Kumpen (b. 2 March 1975) — former European karting champion
  • Separated 2008

Siblings

  • Max Emilian Verstappen (b. 30 September 1997)
  • Victoria Verstappen (b. 2001) — younger sister

Max Verstappen

  • Born 30 September 1997, Hasselt, Belgium (Dutch nationality)
  • Karting from age 4
  • F1 debut: 15 March 2015, Australian GP, Toro Rosso (aged 17 — youngest ever)
  • First F1 win: Spanish GP, 15 May 2016 (aged 18 — youngest ever)
  • Red Bull Racing since 2016
  • World Drivers' Champion 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (4-time)
  • Most race wins in a single season: 19 (2023)

Partner: Kelly Piquet

  • Born 9 December 1988, Homburg, Germany
  • Daughter of 3× F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet
  • One daughter from previous relationship: Penelope Kvyat-Piquet (b. 27 July 2019, father Daniil Kvyat)

Daughter (with Max)

  • Lily Verstappen (b. May 2025)

What the Verstappen Family Story Teaches Us

A former F1-driver father. A European-karting-champion mother. A younger sister. A partner who is herself the daughter of a 3-time F1 World Champion, with a stepdaughter from another F1 driver's previous relationship. A baby daughter born in May 2025. The Verstappen family tree is, by any measure, the most motorsport-dense family in modern Formula 1.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Verstappen story carries the same lesson. The professions of parents create the conditions for children's careers. With a former F1-driver father and a karting-champion mother, Max Verstappen's career was prepared from before his birth. Write down what your parents and grandparents actually did. Those professions are part of the story of who their grandchildren will eventually become.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.