What a season it has been for Max Verstappen. 22 rounds of intense rivalry, all boiling down to the last lap of the season. But it hasn’t been that easy for the Dutchman. It has been a long wait for the rookie who joined Toro Rosso at 17, to become the Red Bull champion at 24. Especially off the track. Although far from emotional, as Verstappen kneeled at the wheel of his RB16B, it meant a lot more.

Max Verstappen has racing in his blood. Jos Verstappen helped propel his son into karting while karter Sophie Kumpen pushed him along the way. But it wasn’t always sunny at the Verstappen’s. In a recent interview, Verstappen explained why the win was emotionally heavy.

“It’s truly incredible. Not only for me but also for my whole family because they also had to live for me. My dad was away a lot; probably cost the marriage, and also my sister. She missed me, she missed her dad because my dad was always with me.”

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However, for Verstappen, winning the championship, in a way, eases the weight on his shoulders. “All of this, now, just brings back a lot of rest, and this hasn’t been for nothing. And that’s something that is very special.”

Max Verstappen takes the emotional route

The most we’ve seen out of the Dutchman has been frustration or joy. However, now, Verstappen divulged in what mattered most to him. “My family in general, we’re not some people who like to talk about that we just keep it in a bit… It’s a real family effort.”

In a truly raw interview with Will Buxton, it’s visible how much this means to Verstappen. He even confessed to crying in his car, not that it required a revelation; but, the never-seen-before Verstappen spoke from his heart this time around.

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Surprised at this burst of emotions himself, Verstappen explained his vulnerability. “I’m not really an emotional guy, I don’t really show my emotions; of course, sometimes I’m upset on the radio, but that’s different… I was crying on the in-lap.”

Understandably emotional for the champion, now that Verstappen has had his taste of the ultimate victory, surely, the 2021 title will be the first of many.

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