During the 2015 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Max Verstappen shared a light-hearted remark that deeply touched F1 analyst Will Buxton’s father. The incident took place when Verstappen jokingly told Buxton’s dad that he had learned all he knew from Buxton, referencing their time competing together in the 2014 Florida Winter Series. Though Buxton acknowledges this was “total rubbish,” the comment left his father beaming, an emotion that carried even as his health declined and he passed away six months later. This heartwarming story reveals a softer side to Verstappen, who is often seen as a fiercely competitive driver on the track.
From Florida Winter Series beginnings to Formula 1 stardom
Will Buxton first encountered Max Verstappen during the 2014 Florida Winter Series in Palm Beach, the inaugural season of the series, where they shared the racing grid. At that time, Verstappen was an emerging talent transitioning from karting into single-seaters. Since then, Verstappen’s rise has been meteoric, achieving four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships from 2021 through 2024 and earning widespread recognition as one of the sport’s elite.
Buxton himself has become a respected motorsport journalist and commentator, currently serving as the lead analyst for Fox Sports’ IndyCar broadcasts. He points out that while Verstappen’s reputation on track is that of an uncompromising and often ruthless competitor, his off-track demeanor contrasts with a kindness not often highlighted in the wider Motorsport media.
An insightful reflection on Verstappen’s character beyond the racetrack
On his “Up To Speed” podcast, Buxton shared insights into Verstappen’s personality, emphasizing that the driver’s public image does not fully represent the person he is in private. Buxton said,
“Even his rivals have to take their hat off and say on his day, we just can’t do what Max does.”
He added,
“He was talked about from the youngest of ages. It almost seemed that he was always going to make it to Formula 1. He was always going to be a World Champion. But the guy that you meet, the guy that you get to know away from the guy on track, is just a lovely guy.”
Buxton fondly recalled meeting Verstappen for the first time in 2014 as Verstappen was making the jump from karting to single-seater racing. That year, Buxton’s parents attended the Belgian Grand Prix, despite his father’s declining health. It was during rain at the event that the family took shelter inside the Red Bull motorhome, where Verstappen warmly introduced himself and made his amusing comment to Buxton’s father.
Verstappen’s rapid ascent in F1 and ongoing influence in motorsport
Max Verstappen debuted in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015. After just over a season with Red Bull’s junior team, he was promoted to Red Bull’s main driver lineup and won on his debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. His achievements have continued to build, including his four straight World Championships, culminating in highly competitive seasons where he has been the benchmark on the grid.
The story Buxton shared not only highlights a rare glimpse into Verstappen’s off-track kindness but also underscores Verstappen’s connection to those who have supported his journey from an early stage. Buxton reflected,
“Max will never know how much that meant. It was lovely.”
The broader significance of Verstappen’s gesture and what it suggests about his legacy
This anecdote is significant because it challenges the one-dimensional portrayal of Verstappen as solely a fiercely competitive figure. It reveals how small, genuine acts can resonate deeply with those around him, especially during difficult times. Verstappen’s ability to bring lightness and kindness in moments of personal challenge for Buxton’s family adds a human element to his sporting legend.
As Verstappen continues to compete at the highest level, stories like this hint at the positive relationships he fosters beyond headline victories and on-track battles. For fans and insiders alike, the gesture at Spa in 2015 remains a warm testament to Verstappen’s character and the respect he commands both as a driver and as a person.
