Verstappen appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau

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Max Verstappen's home race weekend got off to a flying start on Thursday, with F1's reigning world champion being awarded by the Netherlands the Order of Orange-Nassau.

The chivalric order was bestowed upon the Red Bull driver and 29-time F1 winner by the country's Minister for Sport Conny Helder, in the presence of Max's family and close friends.

"It takes a lot more than just talent to become a champion," said minister Helder.

"Many years of hard work, of pushing and persevering. With this you are a great inspiration to many. And in the end, as first Dutchman ever, you drove to the Formula 1 world title.

"What an amazing achievement! With this you put the Netherlands on the map."

Needless to say, Verstappen reacted gracefully to the meritorious award, expressing his gratitude to his family, team, personal sponsors and also to his very own 'orange army', all of which have supported his remarkable motorsport career.

"It is a great honour to receive this appointment," he said. "I am very thankful to my family and close friends for their support, from my very first racing years until now.

"I also want to thank Red Bull and my personal sponsors. Without all this support I would not be where I am today.

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"In addition, I want to thank my fans worldwide, and in particular the Orange Army. Their encouragements time after time are overwhelming and it is incredible to see so many Dutch people involved in the sport.

"I am looking forward immensely to my home race this coming weekend, the Dutch Grand Prix."

Verstappen's popular and sporting success since he stepped up to Formula 1 with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2015 has been instrumental in rekindling Holland's interest in Grand Prix racing and in bringing back a round of the F1 World Championship to Zandvoort after a 36-year absence.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.