According to Max Verstappen, his team made an exception to the rules they had set for other drivers so that he could sport a unique helmet design.
Double world champion Max Verstappen has been in outstanding form this season with 10 straight victories to set the Formula 1 record for consecutive race wins, and has put himself in a strong position to win his third straight drivers’ world championship.
The Dutchman has made Red Bull his permanent residence in Formula One. Team principal Christian Horner and every member of the team have worked patiently but diligently to develop a car that perfectly complements Verstappen’s great talent and has propelled him from his maiden race victory in 2016 to the highest rank in the sport.
Verstappen has now admitted to Dutch television network Viaplay that his team has been lenient with his headgear which means he is able to compete with the helmet design he prefers.
“Before, whilst karting and also in Formula 3, I always drove with my own helmet design, and when I signed with Red Bull you actually lose a lot of your own design, because there’s a big Red Bull logo on everything,” Verstappen said. “So it took me a couple of years to push this through.
“Actually, all Red Bull helmets, they get Red Bull pasted on there first, and then you have to design around it.
“I said, I’m going to make my design first, and then we stick Red Bull in it.”
Lewis Hamilton has previously discussed the significance of a driver’s helmet and how it helps him maintain his identity while racing.
Verstappen undoubtedly shares these convictions, and while maintaining a good appearance while turning in exceptional performances may not seem significant from the outside, remembering his modest beginnings as a young kart driver keeps him motivated.
Even more recently, Hamilton said that his father had made the decision to have him wear a bright yellow helmet in his early years so that other drivers would recognize that it was him.
This is crucial, according to Verstappen, especially with teammates because they sport indentical equipment.
“It’s just kind of your identity, so of course I think that’s important,” Verstappen continued. “That’s the only thing you’re recognised by when you’re in the car.
“The rest of the car is the same as your teammate.”
