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Since the arrival of Max Verstappen in Formula 1, Rico Verhoeven has become an avid follower of the sport. A unique friendship has blossomed between these two athletes, one excelling in the boxing ring and the other on the racetrack. “It’s incredibly beneficial to learn from each other’s experiences, but we also just enjoy having a good laugh together,” he states.
A Shared Passion and Growing Friendship
Historically, Verhoeven (35) was not particularly interested in Formula 1. However, the remarkable achievements of Verstappen sparked a newfound enthusiasm in him. During their first encounter at a TAG Heuer promotional event, the fighter from Bergen op Zoom realized they shared a common wavelength. “There was an undeniable connection. We had a delightful conversation, and you can sense that right away. Afterward, we began crossing paths more frequently, and that’s how our friendship evolved. We meet up quite often for various occasions like housewarmings and birthday celebrations,” he explains.
Celebrating Each Other’s Triumphs
“I had the honor of presenting him with the award for pole position at Zandvoort last year. I was also present when he was crowned the world champion in Abu Dhabi in 2021. These were truly memorable moments. We learn so much from each other. I certa.comy benefit from our discussions, just to clarify, haha! It feels great to bounce ideas off one another, discussing topics like investments and handling media scrutiny. But at the same time, we indulge in laughter and moments of sheer joy, which is essential,” Verhoeven added with a smile.
The Value of Support Teams
Verhoeven perceives strong similarities between himself and Verstappen but emphasizes the importance of the teams supporting them. “Both of us shine because of the people behind the scenes. Max performs well because his car is outstanding. And I thrive because my team consistently prepares me for those crucial moments. But once we step into our respective arenas, it’s solely on us to deliver when it counts, especially when those lights go out on race day,” he remarked.
Overcoming the Pressure of Performance
Discussing the immense pressure that comes with their professions, Verhoeven elaborated, “The expectation to deliver consistently is overwhelming. We need to seize the moment when it arises. I was particularly inspired by Max’s first world title in Abu Dhabi—despite a less-than-ideal start, he maintained hope throughout the race that he could still clinch the championship. That was captivating to witness.”
“Max and I possess a killer mentality. When an opportunity presents itself, you must take it, and we both remain fiercely hungry for success. There’s always someone gunning for your position. The adrenaline rush Max experiences before a race is identical to what I feel before stepping into a fight. You eventually grow accustomed to it, but if you ever lose that thrill, it’s time to reassess your journey,” Verhoeven emphasized.
Max’s Future in F1 and Beyond
“Max is still relatively young at 26, and compared to me, his career has many years ahead. However, I appreciate that he’s already contemplating life after F1. It’s a reality we will all face eventually. But as long as we still enjoy what we do and continue to perform well, we will carry on for as long as possible. This applies to both of us, and I’m excited to see where it leads,” he concluded.
Verhoeven was also asked about his training habits, revealing, “Absolutely, I thrive on the rigor of training and the mental discipline it requires. The ‘champion’s mindset’ is defined by that fierce dedication. It’s the .comy way to attain the top rank in any sport. Although I find the physical demands challenging, what stands out about Max is his genuine and humble nature, despite his global fame. At the end of the day, we all wake up, brush our teeth, and are just normal people navigating this ambitious world.”
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