Max Verstappen: Meet the F1 racing driver with a bold style

By Léa Zetlaoui.

A F1 racing driver at the crossroads between precision and performance

At just 27, Max Verstappen is already one of the most iconic figures in contemporary Formula 1. The son of driver Jos Verstappen grew up on racetracks as others do in classrooms. Today, the triple world champion represents a new generation of racing drivers – ultra-performing, focused, and above all, consistent.

Known for his aggressive driving style and his composure at high speed, Max Verstappen leaves nothing to chance. He approaches each race with the same precision a watchmaker would have to fine-tune a clock – every decision counts, every second matters. This obsession with detail naturally connects him to TAG Heuer, a long-standing partner of the Red Bull Racing team. Together, they share the same vision of performance under pressure, and style that never shies away from efficiency.

Away from the racetracks, Max Verstappen remains discreet. No extravagance, few statements. He prefers constancy over showiness, and hard work over image. This sobriety also extends to his personal choices, such as his preference for TAG Heuer glasses and watches, like the Carrera, a symbol of precision and endurance. Two key qualities in his universe.

Today, Max Verstappen no longer seeks to prove he deserves his place. He has redefined it. Like the brand he represents, he moves forward quietly and with impact. In a sport where every thousandth of a second can change everything, he always has a head start on anyone. He opened up to Numéro on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix, of which TAG Heuer is a partner.

Interview with Max Verstappen

Numéro: What is your earliest memory of car racing?

Max Verstappen: Me, riding around the karting track. My father also had his own karting team when he was still in Formula 1. So, when I was 3, I used to pedal around the track on my little bike or watch the team’s drivers from the stands and play with other kids. It was fun. There was always so much to see and I loved it.

Did you always know you wanted to become a Formula 1 racing driver?

It’s hard to say if I always knew I wanted to be a “Formula 1 driver”, but I always wanted to drive. I actually started at the age of 4, but I didn’t know where it would lead or how things would turn out. At first, I just wanted to drive, but of course, my ultimate goal was Formula 1 – which is the same for everyone. So, I worked towards that goal.

Which race do you think marked a turning point in your career?

I think it was at the end of 2012, during a karting world championship. I made a huge mistake when I could have easily won. I was too impatient and didn’t really think about the consequences of my actions. I retired after an accident and that was the last race of the year for me… It was very tough. But it was probably one of the most important moments in my career.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in Formula 1?

For me, the biggest challenge in Formula 1 was the transition from my first year as a rookie to joining a major team. The working process is very different, but with time, you learn to adapt. And to be honest, the most stressful moments of my career were before I even got into Formula 1. That helped me stay calm in the face of everything that followed.

Among all your titles, which one holds the most value for you, and why?

What I like is that each one of my titles is unique. They all have value, but for different reasons. And I like it that way. Of course, the very first title remains the most emotional one. As for the others, you also have to look at the whole season: there were always moments when everything could have changed. Maybe not in 2023, but in the previous seasons, yes. Each title has something special.

Before a race, do you have any particular rituals?

No, not really, to be honest. It’s pretty simple. There are meetings scheduled with the engineers and all that, but I don’t have any gestures or habits that I repeat every time.

After an intense race, how do you unwind?

Simply being at home, with my family and my friends, or simply sleeping in my own bed. Ultimately, being surrounded by my people.

If you could drive a race car from another era, which one would you choose?

I’m torn between two periods… a car from 2004 to 2006 or one from the early 1990s, I’d say.

Which racing driver, past or present, would you like to race against?

When I was a kid, I dreamt of racing against my dad. I got a bit lucky between the ages of 12 and 14. I was still learning and improving, and he must have been in his late thirties. So, I got the chance to tackle him. What would have been incredible, but obviously impossible, would be for us to compete against each other at our peak, when we were both 27 or 28. That would have been truly extraordinary.