Max Verstappen’s mother was an excellent driver in her own right (Image: Getty)
’s arrival in F1 succeeded his father’s career, which spanned eight seasons and produced two podium finishes, but the now-four-time world champion could have been the third member of his family to race on motorsport’s biggest stage.
The Dutchman’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a child karting prodigy and has been praised by a host of key paddock figures for her ability behind the wheel, including and team principal .
However, she opted to give up her dreams of reaching F1 to raise her son, Max, after finishing one spot ahead of title rival at last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“I wanted to get to Formula One,” Kumpen told . “I had already tried some cars, but I married Max’s father and I had to make a decision. He was an F1 driver and we travelled a lot. So I gave up on my dream, but now I’m having a lot of fun seeing that my son is doing what I wanted to do.”
If Kumpen had been successful in her bid to reach F1, she would have joined an exclusive club. Only two female drivers – Maria Teresa de Filippis and Lella Lombardi – have started Grand Prix events, with the latter the only one to score points (half a point at the 1975 Spanish GP).
Kumpen’s driving has garnered praise from chief Horner, who said: “I competed against her in 1989, in the Junior Karting World Championship.
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Max Verstappen is now a four-time world champion (Image: Getty)
“In that race, there were very talented drivers, such as Jan Magnussen, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella or Dario Franchitti. And she was among the top ten drivers in the world, without a doubt.”
Adding to the narrative, 2009 F1 world champion Button explained: “Sophie, Max’s mother, was a fantastic driver. When I was racing karting in 1995, she was my partner. I saw how she drove, I know she was very good.”
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While Kumpen’s personal dreams were sacrificed, Verstappen’s latest addition to the family trophy cabinet will make her journey feel worthwhile. The Dutchman is now just one title away from matching a feat only has achieved – five consecutive Drivers’ Championship triumphs.
If he is to extend his dynasty into 2025, Verstappen will need to pull out all of the stops. ’s Pierre Wache has already declared himself “not confident” about his team’s chances, and and are both on strong upward trajectories relative to the Milton Keynes squad.