Verstappen’s mother proud: 'This is definitely very special for us'

Sophie Kumpen saw her son Max Verstappen grab the world title in Japan on Sunday. However, the Belgian mother did not yet see the celebration coming as there was a lack of clarity about the point scoring. In conversation with the Belgian HLN she tells her story.

"I am very happy, because I actually did not expect it," Kumpen reacted to the news that Verstappen won the world championship. Because of the uncertainty of the race, she thought her son would not be sure until America, but so it was already in Japan.

She admits that the world title feels completely different this season, as Verstappen also emerged victorious last race year. Moreover, back then it was a lot more exciting with the battle with Lewis Hamilton. Nevertheless, Kumpen is enjoying the new success. "This is definitely very special for us," he said.

His father Jos Verstappen also revealed earlier in the day that he has a different emotion with the world title. At the same time, the former Formula 1 driver was also proud of the Red Bull Racing driver's performance. He says he tells his son almost every week that he is the very best.