By winning his first world championship, Max Verstappen prevented Lewis Hamilton from breaking Michael Schumacher’s record of most championships. The Red Bull driver passed Lewis on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, denying him a record seventh Formula One world title.
Max and Michael, on the other hand, have a bond that goes beyond Formula One. During the early 1990s, Michael and Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, were teammates at Benetton. Off the track, the two drivers developed a cordial friendship and would spend holidays together with their families. Max Verstappen refers to Schumacher as ‘Uncle Michael’ rather than a seven-time world champion.
The 2021 world champion stated that hanging out with the former Ferrari legend was a completely different experience for him. Michael, he said, was really friendly and loving toward him.
“I was three or four years old at the time. All I knew was that was Uncle Michael. He was very kind. He was such a wonderful family man. I never saw him as a world record-breaking champion because I didn’t realize it!” said Max.
Max and Michael both have a similar outlook on life. Both drivers are tough on the race but laid-back and entertaining in their personal life. David Coulthard, a former Red Bull and McLaren driver, said that he admires Max Verstappen’s driving and that the Dutchman reminds him of Michael Schumacher.
“He’s an exceptional human, an exceptional athlete. He’s brilliant and divisive. Who else do we know that’s brilliant and divisive? Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, to name but a few. So some have been able to do it.” Coulthard said.
