F1 fans are only now learning who inspired Max Verstappen’s name.
F1 fans are just now discovering which racing driver partly inspired Max Verstappen’s first name. Max Emilian Verstappen, the four-time world champion, was born in September 1997. At the time, his dad, Jos, was racing in F1 with Tyrell. But the name inspiration actually came from a driver in a different racing series.
In a 2003 interview, Jos revealed that Max’s mom, Sophie, picked the name. When asked if Max was named after FIA president Max Mosley, Jos said it was more about motorcycle racer Max Biaggi. Biaggi’s real name is Massimiliano, but he shortened it during his career.
Jos said, “My wife chose the name. I think it’s more after Max Biaggi. She wanted a strong, short name, and Max fits that well.”
Biaggi didn’t become a MotoGP rider until 1998, after Max was born. But before that, he was a four-time champ in the 250cc class, racing for Aprilia and Honda. In 1997, Biaggi won five races and clinched the title right after Max was born.
In 1998, Biaggi moved up to the 500cc class, the top level before MotoGP started in 2002. He finished second that year, leading most of the season before slipping behind Mick Doohan.
Biaggi switched teams a few times and had some great seasons, racing against legends like Valentino Rossi. Later, he moved to World Superbike, winning two titles, and retired in 2012 to spend more time with his family. He even made a brief comeback in 2015 as a wildcard.
So, while Max Verstappen’s name was inspired by a motorcycle legend, it’s clear the name carries a strong racing spirit!