Homage! Max Verstappen is now an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau!
Max Verstappen says: “Being appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau is an incredibly proud moment for me. It also comes very unexpectedly and so early in my career.”
The Formula One world champion continued: “I want to thank my family and loved ones, but also Red Bull who has been like a second family to me. We have achieved this together and share the same beliefs and values, which is very important to me. Without you I could not have done this.”
Verstappen: “I would also like to thank my fans worldwide, but especially the Orange Army. Their encouragement is overwhelming time and time again and it’s great to see so many Dutch people sympathizing. I am looking forward to my home race this weekend in the Dutch Grand Prix. And although I am very proud of what we have achieved so far, this is only the beginning and I can assure you that we will continue for many years to come for more.”
Verstappen was presented with the royal decoration by Conny Helder, Minister for Sport. His family and loved ones attended the ceremony.
Sports Minister Conny Helder: “There is much more to it than just talent to become a champion. Many years of hard and long work, not giving up and carrying on. You are a great inspiration to many. And finally you are the first Dutchman to win the Formula 1 world title. What a fantastic achievement. You have also put the Netherlands on the map worldwide with this.”
On the occasion of his appointment as an Officer, the Knac National Autosport Federation (KNAF) decided to gift him with the Dutch racing license number 1. “To say that this award is deserved is putting it mildly,” said KNAF President Jan de Wit after the presentation. “What an achievement, what an impressive career, what an ambassador you are for our country and our sport. That’s why we thought it appropriate to make a small gesture as well.”
Since 2015 in Formula 1
Verstappen could be found on the karting circuits from his youngest years. After just one year in Formula 3, he debuted in Formula 1 in 2015. The very next season he became the first Dutch winner of a Grand Prix. At the same time, this made him the youngest Grand Prix winner of all time. In 2021, he became Formula One world champion for the first time. He is the first Dutchman to achieve this.
Partly due to his success, public interest in Formula 1 in the Netherlands has increased significantly. Last year, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to Zandvoort after 36 years. Verstappen won this race and hopes to do so again next Sunday in front of more than a hundred thousand supporters, on his way to possibly a second world title.
