Max Verstappen moved to Monaco a day after his 18th birthday. Having obtained his license, the driver quickly shifted his home ground. It was a big move for the 18-year-old, but a painful decision for his parents; especially his father, Jos.

In a recent documentary diving deep into the nuances of the driver’s journey to a championship, Jos shared the pain of leaving his precious son. “I have always put everything aside for Max’s career… Max was busy with his career and when he was in Formula 1, he departed to Monaco. And then you lose something and I do find that difficult.”

Max empathized with his father’s emotions. “My father wasn’t too happy that I went to Monaco. He didn’t show it, but up till my 16th, we always lived together. Because he stopped with his career to focus on me.”

Heartbreak for Ferrari F1 Fans as Jean Todt Return Reportedly Off the Table

Heartbreak for Ferrari F1 Fans as Jean Todt Return Reportedly Off the Table

The documentary shows how as Jos’ flight in F1 ended early; he ensured his son wouldn’t face the same. Growing up, it was almost as if the senior Verstappen sat behind the steering wheel with Max; the elevation and heartbreak were magnified in Jos.

Max Verstappen reflects on his love for Monaco

What’s not to love about Monaco? The beautiful streets, the nightlife, the royal blue waves of the ocean awaiting you. Thus, Monaco had Verstappen’s name all over it. “To be honest, I think, for me, it’s nicer to live in Monaco than  Amsterdam because I can be more myself.”

Away from the more fame in Belgium, Verstappen also found peace in the silent streets of Monaco. “I don’t like to be recognized all the time. I would prefer to drive Formula 1 and then not get at all, secretly. But that is not possible.”

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

After the 2021 season, it is doubtful Max would go unrecognized easily! Nonetheless, the driver has the time of his life in Monaco. From jet skiing in the summer breaks, running around the streets, and training hard in his apartment, Monaco remains Verstappen’s sanctuary.

Now, as the party hats are swapped for the Red bull snapbacks, we await the return of the Dutch Lion to the F1 circuit.

Watch this story: Ferrari Strategy Fails We Will Never Forget