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.

Recent Posts

Lawrence Stroll urges ‘patience’ as Aston Martin begins Honda era

Aston Martin F1’s future may be dressed in racing green, but its ambitions are painted…

3 hours ago

Verstappen’s striking claim: ‘We’re all finding illegal performance’

The 2025 Formula 1 season ended with a cinematic flourish at Yas Marina, as Lando…

5 hours ago

Why Mercedes has a hidden weapon in F1 for 2026

Mercedes isn’t just gearing up for Formula 1’s new era, they may be preparing to…

6 hours ago

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

8 hours ago

Chris Rea - A life driven by passion

Legendary British songwriter and singer Chris Rea passed away on Sunday at the age of…

9 hours ago

Villeneuve: Hadjar the right fit alongside Verstappen - ‘It works well’

Jacques Villeneuve has seen enough rising stars – and enough false dawns – to know…

10 hours ago