Red Bull Motorsports
F1
Max Verstappen: The relentless racer who’s found joy beyond victory
Four-time F1 Champion Max Verstappen isn’t just a master of speed – he’s a master of balance. He shares how he stays sharp, finds calm in chaos and discovers happiness both on and off the track.
Max Verstappen is on top of the world. He is, by some distance, the most accomplished 27-year-old to ever compete in F1. A generational talent with four world championships to his name, 2025 sees him racing for a record-equalling fifth consecutive crown. Only the great Michael Schumacher accomplished that feat, and he was 35 when he completed the sweep.
Whereas Verstappen, in sporting terms, is just reaching the peak of his powers. Despite his immense success on the track, he remains grounded and focused on what truly matters in life, as he reveals in an exclusive interview with Red Bull’s premium fashion brand AlphaTauri, for which he has just been announced as a brand ambassador.
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Max Verstappen: 10 years, 63 wins and a life lesson on true happiness
Sporting success is important but "doesn't define real happiness"
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
A decade into his F1 journey, Verstappen stands not just as one of the sport’s greatest talents, but as a driver who has matured into a figure of inspiration. Known for his fierce determination and fearless racing, he’s learned to balance success with a deeper understanding of life. “I’ve worked my whole life to be successful in racing, and while that’s very important to me, at the end of the day, it doesn't define real happiness”, he says. “True happiness comes from your friends and your family and your loved ones.”
Verstappen has been racing in F1 for 10 years, claiming 63 wins and 112 podiums. Following dominant spells in 2022 and 2023, his 2024 campaign was his toughest title defence. “We didn't always have the fastest car, so we had to put it together as a team and try not to make too many mistakes.”
He claimed nine wins across the season – often outdriving the car in the process. And then there were performances like his astonishing victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix last November which transcended the sport to bring him to worldwide attention.
Inside the paddock, he's now a senior driver as a fresh generation lines up on the grid behind him. And he is a role model to millions. It’s all responsibility but he tries to wear it lightly.
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Where an F1 champion finds peace and comfort
Max Verstappen wearing AlphaTauri
© AlphaTauri
Verstappen grew up with his father in the F1 circus and in Monaco – motorsport’s retreat on the French Riviera. This is where he returns to relax and rebuild, ready to go again when testing begins at the end of February. A modern F1 season means jetting off to 24 races in 21 countries, and as well as all his duties at the track, there are media appearances and formal engagements. “The season is very demanding and they’ve added more locations and races over the years,” says Verstappen. “So, it's very important to find your own time, to try to rest up and spend time with your family and friends.”
He has the perfect set-up in Monte Carlo where he can reconnect with his private life. “Freedom for me is just being at home and not having to worry about doing the next thing on my schedule,” says Max. “And Monaco is the place I call home. It's where I can relax and do my own thing.”
Freedom is just being at home and not having to worry about doing the next thing on my schedule.
Find out more about Max Verstappen
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Verstappen’s balanced path to peak performance
Verstappen's self-care and fitness regime help him come out on top
© Joe Portlock/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Despite his relaxed demeanour, Verstappen's focus is razor-sharp, and he's dedicated to putting in the work necessary for another extraordinary season. Understanding that peak performance starts with self-care, Max prioritises his fitness regime with the same intensity he brings to the racetrack.
F1 demands high levels of fitness which means that in pre-season, Verstappen will be training twice a day, six times a week, performing a mix of endurance work and high-intensity strength conditioning.
Most days will see Verstappen go for a 60-minute run along the coast or – if he has time – biking for two to three hours high up into the Maritime Alps rising above the Principality.
Evenings in Monaco provide a contrasting picture of tranquility and camaraderie. Verstappen reveals that he enjoys dining with friends, many of whom are rivals from F1 past and present, extending long into the evening - far from the intrusive eyes of the media.
Verstappen looks relaxed ahead of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
“I really enjoy Italian food”, says Verstappen, “but it depends on my mood. I also enjoy Japanese cooking: wagyu beef is delicious.” His appreciation for Japanese cuisine extends beyond the flavours to the experience itself. "I love the different ways the Japanese have of preparing food, like in a teppanyaki restaurant where you cook all different kinds of cuts of meat over a fire. It's really, really nice."
In fact, if Max didn’t live in Monaco, Tokyo might just be his destination of choice. “If we’re talking about a place to visit, I’d definitely go for Japan. Tokyo is a massive city full of cool places and I'd make time to explore the whole country,” he shares.
After a peaceful January away from the track, Verstappen returns looking at ease and exuding a sense of calm. He consciously avoids putting unnecessary pressure on himself. "I'm feeling relaxed," he says, embodying a champion who knows that balance and self-care are as crucial as the next race.
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Revving up for glory: Verstappen welcomes new team-mate at Red Bull Racing
Verstappen welcomes a new team-mate in Liam Lawson
© Mark Thompson/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
“This year, I'm looking forward to seeing how competitive we can be”, Verstappen says. “Once you get a bit of a picture of how competitive you are, you can start to set a target.”
The biggest change is on the opposite side of the garage where Verstappen is joined by Liam Lawson, 23. The New Zealander is his sixth team-mate and follows in the treads of Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Pérez. The plan is that Lawson and Verstappen can score enough points to bring the Constructors’ title back to Milton Keynes.
I'm looking forward to seeing how competitive we can be
“I'm excited to be working with Liam. I think the whole team is excited.
“We had a lot of good moments last year and some tough moments, so I hope that we can be a little bit more stable this year.”
