Essentials: Max Verstappen

For the latest installment of Essentials, Hypebeast sits down with Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen to chat through his race day essentials.

At just 25 years old, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver, known for his drive and passion on the track, is already a two-time world champion and is on track to win his third consecutive title. Verstappen was just 17 years old when he entered the world of Formula 1, making him the youngest driver to ever compete in a Grand Prix. Today, he’s considered one of the drivers to beat as he leads the Driver’s Championships and shows no signs of slowing down.

From his passport to his portable WiFi router, the Dutch driver gives us a closer look at everything he needs with him when he’s on the road. Follow along as we take a deeper dive into his picks.

What’s something that you do to stay in top form while constantly traveling and being in different time zones?

To be honest, I think sleep is the most important thing when you’re traveling so much. It’s also important to not get sick and, of course, when you have to deal with all the time zones, this becomes necessary. When it comes to diet, I know more or less what I can or have to eat to stay in the zone.

With you always being on the road, what is one item that you always have in your bag?

I mean, you have always the phone with you and your charger, but also an iPad. It just helps me stay up to date with my friends and family. When you’re traveling as much as I do, it’s important to stay in touch with loved ones and I find this is the fastest and best way to do it. Of course, it’s also there when you need some entertainment and want to watch something. While a laptop is nice, I just find the iPad a lot more handy.

Can you share a little bit more about your watch and the significance behind it?

Well, as into technology as I am, I think it’s still nice to have a physical watch around your wrist. What I normally do is leave my watch on one particular time zone, like home, and then I have my phone which will automatically switch to the current time that I’m in. I always feel empty without a watch around my wrist, so I always have to carry at least one or two around.

With your helmet, is there a process behind deciding what goes on it?

We have to deal with sponsors, so of course the main one is Red Bull. But besides that, I do like to have my own style and design on it. I usually decide over winter if I want any changes. It’s important to have a bit of your own feel to it; it’s a lot of small details but it does make a difference.

We heard that you’re quite into gaming. Do you have a game that is your most played right now?

I have played a lot of hours of FIFA, especially when I’m on the road. When you’re on your own a lot but want to stay in touch with your friends and want to have a bit of fun, I find this is a great solution. I’ll also play a little bit of Call of Duty here and there. But in general, I like football, it’s a big passion.

Do you constantly have Red Bull with you wherever you go?

To be honest, a lot of things that I do involve Red Bull, even if it’s not F1-related. I really do like it, this is not made up. I like to sometimes have a can, especially when I’ve had a long day and need a bit of an energy boost. It does help, whether I’m just back at home or on the road.

If you could race anywhere in the world that’s not currently on the circuit, where would it be?

I think we need a race in Africa. At the moment, the closest one which might be possible is Killarney in South Africa. I’ve never been to South Africa as well, so personally, that would be a great country for me to visit.