Max Verstappen Reveals He’s Achieved His ‘End Goal’ at Age 28 While Reflecting on Storied F1 Career (Exclusive)

His dad, Dutch racing driver Jos Verstappen, competed for Formula One from 1994 to 2003. Verstappen's mom, Sophie Kumpen, is a Belgian former karting driver who competed against future F1 stars at a high level.

"When you grow up, you go into bigger go karts and eventually to cars," Verstappen said when reflecting on his racing roots, which began with karting at the age of 4. "There's a lot that you could ask your parents to be best prepared as possible, I would say."

Max Verstappen and his dad, Jos.
Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty

Verstappen, known for his impressive ability to execute comebacks and finish at the front, credited his parents for his competitive mindset. But at the end of the day, he knows the personal drive comes from within.

"Honestly, I think that needs to be a bit natural. When you grow up, you don't like losing," he said. "You want to always try and be the best, especially while racing. That was always a bit the mindset that was there, and then of course with my dad, I guess."

Verstappen has heavily credited his father for his rise in the sport, previously stating he wouldn't be in Formula 1 if it wasn't for him. Between the rigorous training and navigating high expectations at a young age, the determined athlete still keeps his dad's lessons in mind when he races today.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet after the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ; Max Verstappen and his daughter Lily in August 2025.
Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty ; Max Verstappen/Instagram

"We don't over complicate things," Verstappen told PEOPLE of the one lesson his father instilled in him that still sticks. "Just trying to keep it very simple. Try not to overthink the situation."

Known for his remarkable comebacks — most recently, he closed what was once a daunting 104-point gap to Lando Norris in the 2025 season — Verstappen possesses a competitive edge few can match. Yet, the origins of that defining trait remain difficult to pinpoint.

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"It's always very hard to know where the edge comes from," he expressed, humbly. "I think from a young age, having my family basically in my corner and sharing all the knowledge of course that they had, I think that helps you a lot when you are a kid."

Still, Verstappen taps his dad for racing advice today — among other things, too.

Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrive to the paddock ahead of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.
Credit: Clive Mason/Getty

"We speak about a lot of different things," he said. "Not even only F1-related, but also other sports by dad does, like he rallies now a lot. I also do my GT racing on the outside of it, so there are always things that we talk about."

Ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen welcomed his first child, daughter Lily, with his longtime girlfriend, Kelly Piquet. When speaking with PEOPLE, the Red Bull driver opened up about how his perspective on his career and future have been influenced since becoming a father.

"More nerve wracking, I guess, as a parent," Verstappen said of the unique dynamic of experiencing the sport as both a son and a dad. "When I speak to my dad, at least from his experience," he added.

Plus, the professional driver — who recently opened up about the possibility of retirement since welcoming his daughter — shared how his relationship with his own dad has changed since viewing it from a different perspective.

"It's a really cool story to be able to have done that together," he continued. "It's probably something that we will think about and cherish for life. You give up a lot of your time to try and get to your end goal, and of course we've done that, we did that.

"It's still a very beautiful story."

Read the original article on People