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The five-year clock was reset just the day before yesterday when a woman drove a modern F1 car on the track. When Jessica Hawkins took the AMR21 for a spin on the Hungaroring she reset the clock. The British W series and British Touring Car Championship driver broke the norm and tested for Aston Martin. Her achievement is a sign of things to come in the racing world. It was a long time coming and Hawkins put her “blood sweat, and tears” into achieving this milestone. Soon after her outing even the mother of Max Verstappen, Sophie Kumpen issued a statement in support.

Hawkins was overwhelmed with the experience after 26 laps around the legendary track. The Aston Martin Driver Ambassador had waited a long time for this achievement. She even opened up about her experience, as quoted on the Aston Martin F1 official website, Which is where she revealed her perseverance to achieve this milestone in her career.

When asked about her experience, she revealed, “It’s hard to put into words. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. All the blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point were worth it.”

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Soon after her outing, even Verstappen’s mother shared a message of empowerment with her fellow drivers.

via Imago

Verstappen’s mother shared a story that showcased her karting back in the day. The world champion’s mother reshared the memory with some words of motivation and empowerment.

“When I was active in karting, I wanted to show that a girl could also be able to be as fast as a guy, by winning the Margutti Trophy, I did! So girls, never give up on your dreams,” wrote Verstappen’s mother.

In fact, Verstappen’s mother made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure her son’s success which is why she deserves equal credit. Additionally, if not on the track, she is doing her part off the track.

Sophie Kumpen reveals the ritual she follows every time her son Max Verstappen takes to the track

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It’s not a trait that is limited to mothers but it has a greater effect when they do it. Some call it superstition while some prefer the term blessing. Whatever you may call it, Verstappen gets plenty of it from his mother at least every time he takes to the track. His mother revealed this tradition she follows every time her son races which started from his first win back in 2016.

via Reuters

Kumpen revealed, “In F1, the Max’s first win race for Red Bull. I’ve started since to burn a candle and now I’m doing it every race on Thursday. I go to the little church here in town and I burn a candle and make a prayer then, I send the picture to Max.”

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Almost every candle she has burned this season has turned into a win perhaps strengthening her belief. No one can be sure if it’s his mother’s blessings giving him all the power but whatever it is, it’s working really well for Max!

WATCH THIS STORY | Will Max Verstappen Retire Early from F1?

Written by

Mahim Suhalka

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Mahim Suhalka is a senior F1 Author at EssentiallySports. Having written over 1500 articles, Mahim specializes in core sports coverage. Having followed the sport for a long time, his articles contain excellent analysis of the sport and he dives deeper into the technicalities of this complex sport.
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Edited by

Aishwary Gaonkar