Max Verstappen Reflects on How His Arrival Led to His Mother Stepping Away from Racing
Max Verstappen has openly acknowledged that his own birth played a decisive role in bringing his mother Sophie Kumpen’s racing career to an end, offering a rare and heartfelt insight into the family foundations behind his extraordinary success in Formula 1.
The four-time world champion, widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted drivers in the sport’s history, is often associated with the tough, uncompromising guidance of his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen. However, Max has been keen to highlight that his racing pedigree does not come from one side of the family alone. In fact, he believes the roots of his talent run especially deep through his mother.
Kumpen was a formidable competitor in her own right during her karting career, earning a reputation as one of the strongest female racers of her generation. Long before her son became a household name, she was battling — and often beating — drivers who would later go on to enjoy successful careers at the highest levels of motorsport.
Despite her obvious ability, Kumpen chose to step away from racing at a crucial point in her career. According to Max, that decision was closely tied to her pregnancy and the arrival of her future world champion son.
Racing talent on both sides of the family
Speaking in a recent media interview, Verstappen reflected on his childhood and the unique environment in which he grew up, surrounded by racing knowledge from both parents.
“My dad raced in Formula 1, so that side is obvious,” Max explained. “But my mum was also racing at a very high level in karting. She competed against drivers who later made it to Formula 1, like Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella.”
Those early experiences, he believes, shaped his understanding of racing long before he ever climbed into a kart himself. Unlike many young drivers who learn from coaches or teams, Verstappen grew up absorbing advice at home from two people who had both lived and breathed competitive motorsport.
Max has previously spoken about how his mother’s approach differed from his father’s. While Jos was known for his strict and demanding methods, Sophie’s influence was more subtle but equally important, focusing on technique, race craft, and natural feel for the kart.
“The real racing genes came from my mum”
In a remark that has caught the attention of fans, Verstappen suggested that his natural ability owes a great deal to his mother’s side of the family.
“If I’m being honest, the real racing genes are on my mum’s side,” he said. “She never really stopped karting in terms of understanding it. Even after she stepped away, that racer’s instinct was always there.”
Kumpen’s karting résumé supports that claim. During her peak years, she competed at international level and was widely respected in a fiercely competitive era. Many within the karting world believed she had the potential to progress even further if circumstances had allowed.
Those circumstances changed, however, when she became pregnant.
Verstappen jokes about ending his mother’s career
Asked why his mother eventually retired from racing, Verstappen answered with a mixture of honesty and humour.
“That all changed when she got pregnant with me,” he said with a smile. “So in a way, I ended her career — all thanks to little old me.”
While the comment was clearly made in jest, it underlines a reality faced by many athletes, particularly women, whose careers are often interrupted or reshaped by family life. In Kumpen’s case, stepping away from racing allowed her to focus on supporting her son, who would soon show extraordinary promise of his own.
An often-overlooked influence
As Verstappen continues to dominate Formula 1 and build a legacy that places him among the sport’s all-time greats, there is growing recognition of Sophie Kumpen’s influence on his journey. Her experience, technical knowledge, and racing mindset played a crucial role in his development, even if her own career ended earlier than many expected.
While Jos Verstappen’s impact on Max’s rise has been widely documented, this renewed attention on his mother’s story adds another layer to the narrative — one that highlights the sacrifices and unseen contributions behind a champion.
In acknowledging that his very existence helped bring his mother’s racing days to a close, Max Verstappen has offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of a family built around speed, competition, and an enduring love for motorsport.
