F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen goes back to his roots with 2025 helmet

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen will kick off the 2025 Formula 1 season with a nod to his roots – and a sleek new helmet design inspired by his karting days and his father Jos’ original look.

“This is how I started racing when I was four years old,” the Dutchman explained. “It’s basically my dad’s design and definitely something that I’m very proud of.”

Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver in the ’90s and early 2000s, may not have had the trophies Max has amassed, but his helmet left a lasting impression on his son.

“When I started racing, my dad’s design was something very important to me. That was the helmet I really liked, which I was very proud to wear,” Verstappen explained.

Max’s 2025 lid keeps things “as simple as possible,” featuring clean lines and a lion motif on top—staying true to the family’s iconic style.

“It’s definitely, let’s say, our family’s design,” Verstappen added. “Little details have changed, but in general, it’s back to the roots. I’m very happy with it.”

With a retro look and the confidence of a four-time champ, Max seems ready to chase his fifth crown—and maybe add a few more iconic helmets to the collection.

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.

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