Max Verstappen completed on Friday in Kigali, Rwanda his FIA-mandated community service requirement, a duty that left the 2024 F1 World Champion reflective on his role in inspiring the next generation.
Verstappen participated in a grassroots motorsport development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club, aiming to inspire and mentor young drivers. The program’s mission is ambitious: to make motorsport more accessible and inclusive in Africa.
The service day, a consequence of a sanction imposed on Verstappen for using inappropriate language during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier in the season, was an opportunity for the Dutchman to interact with aspiring drivers and engineers.
Yet, the day became much more than just a disciplinary obligation for the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen was visibly moved by the passion he witnessed among Rwanda’s youth. Speaking to reporters after the event, the 27-year-old shared his excitement about the potential of motorsport on the continent.
"In the whole world, everything is getting more and more expensive, so the more you can build [motorsports] in your own country, the more you make it affordable for kids," the 63-time Grand Prix winner said.
"I think it's great to have that possibility, and I hope it stimulates all these kids so that they want to be a racing driver, an engineer, in the future.”
Verstappen, whose own meteoric rise in motorsport began as a child prodigy in karting, acknowledged the global challenges of affordability and accessibility in motorsport.
His time in Kigali underscored the importance of grassroots programs like Rwanda’s, which aim to break down these barriers.
"It has massive potential and that is what I think everyone is working on... trying to make everyone very enthusiastic. It doesn't matter where in the world you come from, anything is possible,” he added.
“That's why I also think it's important that we're here. I'm very excited to see that hopefully in five to ten years, there are more people coming through [into motorsports].”
©FIA
Verstappen’s day of community service was immediately followed by a contrasting event: the FIA’s glamorous prize-giving ceremony in Kigali, where the Dutchman received his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship trophy. The title places him among the greats of the sport, tying him with legends like Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievements, Verstappen remained characteristically humble.
"As a kid, when you grow up, you don’t think about these things. You look at the names and think, ‘Wow, that’s really impressive, I hope one day I can be on the podium!’" he said during the ceremony.
For Verstappen, the journey to four titles has been as much about preparation as it has been about seizing opportunities.
"But, sometimes you get lucky in life... you’re in the right place at the right time! Luckily I’ve been able to do that. It’s amazing. Four titles is incredible," he said, a smile lighting up his face.
Though his name is now etched among the sport’s greats, Verstappen’s hunger for success remains undiminished.
"Of course I also hope it doesn’t stop here, that we can be successful over a longer period of time. For the moment it’s very important to enjoy the moment, be proud of what we have achieved, also as a team, and try again next year."
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