Who is Max Verstappen?

Max Verstappen is a Belgian-Dutch Formula 1 driver racing for Red Bull Racing. Born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, Verstappen has become one of the most successful and highest-paid drivers in modern motorsport.

He made history in 2015 when he became the youngest driver ever to compete in Formula 1, racing at only 17 years old. His aggressive driving style, race craft and consistency quickly made him one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Verstappen is the son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, who raced for teams including Benetton, and Sophie Kumpen, a successful karting driver. His father’s F1 background and his mother’s karting experience helped shape Max’s early racing career.

Key Takeaways

• Max Verstappen is a Belgian-Dutch Formula 1 driver for Red Bull Racing.
• He was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium.
• In 2015, he became the youngest driver ever to start a Formula 1 race.
• Verstappen won four consecutive F1 World Championships from 2021 to 2024.
• His estimated net worth is around US$200 million to US$250 million.
• His Red Bull contract runs until 2028, making him one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1.
• He is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet.
• Verstappen previously owned a Dassault Falcon 900EX registered PH-DTF.
• In 2025, he upgraded to a newer Dassault Falcon 8X registered PH-UTL.
• He owns a 33-meter Mangusta Gransport yacht named UNLEASH THE LION.

Max Verstappen Net Worth

Max Verstappen’s net worth is estimated at around US$200 million to US$250 million. His wealth comes mainly from his Red Bull Racing salary, race bonuses, sponsorship deals, licensing income and personal investments.

Verstappen is one of the highest-paid athletes in global sport. His Red Bull contract, signed in 2022, runs until the end of the 2028 season and is widely considered one of the most valuable deals in Formula 1 history.

His annual earnings are often estimated at more than US$60 million, with some estimates placing his salary and performance bonuses above US$70 million in strong seasons. These figures reflect his dominance at Red Bull and his value as one of the sport’s most marketable drivers.

Formula 1 Career and Early Success

Max Verstappen entered Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, becoming the youngest driver ever to start a Grand Prix. His debut was controversial because of his age, but he quickly proved that he had the talent and maturity to compete at the highest level.

In 2016, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing. In his first race for the team, the Spanish Grand Prix, he won and became the youngest race winner in Formula 1 history.

That victory marked the beginning of Verstappen’s rise to the top of the sport. Over the next several seasons, he developed into Red Bull’s clear lead driver, known for his speed, confidence and ability to perform under pressure.

World Champion and Career Highlights

Max Verstappen won his first Formula 1 World Championship in 2021 after a dramatic season-long battle with Lewis Hamilton. The title was decided in the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making it one of the most controversial and memorable championship finishes in F1 history.

He defended his title in 2022 with a dominant season and then produced one of the most statistically impressive campaigns in Formula 1 history in 2023. In 2024, Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Championship, placing him among a small group of drivers to win four or more F1 titles.

His title run from 2021 to 2024 made him one of the most successful drivers of the modern era. In 2025, Reuters reported that Lando Norris won the world title, ending Verstappen’s four-year championship streak, although Verstappen remained a leading force in Formula 1.

Girlfriend: Kelly Piquet

Max Verstappen is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, the daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. Kelly was born in December 1988 in Germany and has worked as a model, columnist and public relations professional.

Kelly Piquet is well known within the motorsport world because of her family background and her own public profile. She and Verstappen have been together for several years and are often seen together at Formula 1 events, holidays and public appearances.

Dassault Falcon 900EX PH-DTF

Max Verstappen previously owned a Dassault Falcon 900EX, a tri-engine business jet registered as PH-DTF. The aircraft was built in 2008 and was formerly owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, where it carried the registration M-VGAL.

The Falcon 900EX became strongly associated with Verstappen after he acquired it in 2020. The aircraft featured his distinctive red MV33 logo on the tail and was frequently seen at airports used for Formula 1 travel.

The Dassault Falcon 900EX is known for its long-range performance, reliability and ability to operate from airports with challenging conditions. It can carry around 12 to 14 passengers, depending on configuration, and has a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles.

For Verstappen, the Falcon 900EX was an ideal aircraft for a demanding international racing schedule. It allowed him to travel efficiently between Monaco, race circuits, sponsor events and personal destinations.

A New Dassault Falcon 8X: PH-UTL

In 2025, Max Verstappen upgraded to a newer Dassault Falcon 8X registered PH-UTL. The aircraft is linked to the phrase Unleash The Lion, which is also the name of Verstappen’s new yacht.

The Falcon 8X has serial number 498. Aviation databases and photo sites have listed the aircraft under several registrations during its life, including N8X and N498FJ, before becoming PH-UTL. It has been photographed at airports including Melbourne, Amsterdam Schiphol and Shanghai.

The Falcon 8X is a larger, longer-range and more modern aircraft than the Falcon 900EX. It can fly approximately 6,450 nautical miles, depending on configuration and conditions, making it suitable for intercontinental travel with fewer stops.

A new Dassault Falcon 8X has a list price often quoted around US$60 million, although prices vary depending on age, interior, options and market conditions. Verstappen’s aircraft began life as a demonstrator, which may affect its final purchase price.

Verstappen and Yachts

For several years, there were rumors that Max Verstappen had purchased the yacht Bagheera. Those reports were incorrect. Bagheera is linked to Dutch entrepreneur Maarten van Dijk, not Verstappen.

Verstappen had previously been seen enjoying yacht charters, but until recently he was not known as a yacht owner. That changed in 2025, when it became public that he had purchased a new Mangusta yacht named UNLEASH THE LION.

The yacht’s name reflects Verstappen’s personal brand and matches the theme of his new private jet registration, PH-UTL.

UNLEASH THE LION Yacht

UNLEASH THE LION is a 33-meter Mangusta Gransport 33 built by Overmarine and delivered in 2025. She is a fast, sporty motor yacht designed for Mediterranean cruising and day-to-day use around destinations such as Monaco, the French Riviera and Italy.

The yacht measures approximately 33 meters, or 109 feet, and can reach a top speed of around 25 knots. She can accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 5, making her compact compared with large superyachts but still highly luxurious.

The Mangusta Gransport 33 features outdoor lounging areas, a beach club, guest cabins and modern interiors. Her estimated value is around US$15 million, placing her in the high-performance luxury yacht category rather than the ultra-large megayacht segment.

For Verstappen, UNLEASH THE LION fits his Monaco lifestyle. The yacht is large enough for private cruising and entertaining, but still practical for fast Mediterranean trips.

Where Does Max Verstappen Live?

Max Verstappen lives in Monaco, a popular residence for Formula 1 drivers and other high-earning athletes. Monaco offers privacy, security, a luxury lifestyle and major tax advantages.

He is often linked to the Fontvieille district, one of Monaco’s quieter and more exclusive areas. Living in Monaco also places Verstappen close to the Mediterranean yachting scene and major European transport connections.

Max Verstappen’s Cars

As a Formula 1 driver, Max Verstappen has access to some of the most desirable performance cars in the world. He has been associated with several high-performance road cars, including models from Honda and Aston Martin during Red Bull’s engine and sponsorship partnerships.

He has been seen with cars such as a Honda Civic Type R, which was auctioned for charity, and an Aston Martin Vantage. He has also been linked to an Honda NSX Type R and other performance models.

Unlike some athletes, Verstappen does not make his private car collection the center of his public image. His most visible luxury assets are his private aircraft and, more recently, his new yacht.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Max Verstappen’s net worth?

Max Verstappen’s net worth is estimated at around US$200 million to US$250 million. His wealth comes from his Red Bull Racing salary, bonuses, endorsements and personal investments.

How much does Max Verstappen earn per year?

Verstappen’s annual earnings are often estimated at more than US$60 million, with salary and bonuses sometimes reported above US$70 million in strong seasons.

How many Formula 1 World Championships has Max Verstappen won?

Max Verstappen has won four Formula 1 World Championships, taking consecutive titles in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Is Verstappen from a rich family?

No, Verstappen did not come from a billionaire family. His father, Jos Verstappen, was a former F1 driver, but driver salaries in Jos’s era were much lower than today. Max’s current wealth comes mainly from his own racing success.

Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend?

Max Verstappen is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet.

What private jet does Max Verstappen own?

Verstappen previously owned a Dassault Falcon 900EX registered PH-DTF. In 2025, he upgraded to a Dassault Falcon 8X registered PH-UTL.

What does PH-UTL mean?

PH-UTL is widely understood to refer to Unleash The Lion, matching the name of Verstappen’s new yacht.

Does Max Verstappen own a yacht?

Yes. Max Verstappen owns a 33-meter Mangusta Gransport yacht named UNLEASH THE LION. The yacht was delivered in 2025 and is valued at around US$15 million.

Where does Max Verstappen live?

Max Verstappen lives in Monaco, a common base for Formula 1 drivers because of its privacy, security, luxury lifestyle and tax advantages.

Sources

verstappen.com – Max Verstappen official website
formula1.com – Statistics behind Verstappen’s fourth consecutive title
reuters.com – Formula 1 world champions list and Verstappen’s fourth title
superyachtfan.com – Max Verstappen private jet profile
airhistory.net – Max Verstappen aircraft registrations PH-DTF and PH-UTL
jetphotos.com – Max Verstappen Falcon 8X PH-UTL photo
aironline.nl – Verstappen Falcon 8X PH-UTL details
superyachtfan.com – UNLEASH THE LION yacht profile
thesun.co.uk – Max Verstappen buys Unleash The Lion yacht
instagram.com – Kelly Piquet official Instagram

Information

The estimated price of Max Verstappen’s former Falcon 900EX private jet was around US$15 million. His newer Dassault Falcon 8X has a much higher market value, with list prices often quoted around US$60 million. His new yacht UNLEASH THE LION is estimated to be worth around US$15 million.

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