In a world where motorsport is often dominated by drivers from affluent backgrounds, Max Verstappen is building a bridge to inclusivity. The three-time Formula 1 world champion, who himself broke through at a young age thanks to the support of Red Bull, announced yesterday that he is launching an ambitious scholarship program for talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative, which he personally funds and oversees, aims to ensure that a passion for racing doesn’t have to give way to financial barriers. “Every child with a spark in their eyes deserves a chance to dream,” Verstappen said during the announcement in his home country of the Netherlands. The program marks a bold move by the 28-year-old driver, who not only wants to win the sport but also to transform it.

The scholarship program, dubbed the Verstappen Talent Foundation, is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16 from low-income families, migrant families, and remote regions. In the first phase, which begins next year, twenty young racing drivers will be selected through national talent days in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Candidates don’t need to have a professional karting track; a simple demo on a go-kart track or even a virtual race is enough to showcase their potential. The scholarship covers not only the costs of karting—which easily amount to tens of thousands of euros per season—but also includes training, medical checkups, mental coaching, and school counseling. “We don’t just want to create racing drivers, but well-rounded athletes who succeed in life,” Verstappen emphasizes.

This move comes at a crucial moment in Verstappen’s career. After his dominant seasons with Red Bull Racing, where he won the title again in 2024, he is increasingly focusing on building a legacy off the track. Motorsport has been facing criticism for its elitism for years: only a handful of drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton through his Steve Foundation, have attempted to address this. Verstappen, who comes from a racing family but with a sense of privilege, draws inspiration from his own path. “I was six when I started, but not everyone has a father like Jos or a sponsor like Red Bull,” he says in an exclusive interview with De Telegraaf. “This program is my way of giving back, so that the grid of tomorrow becomes more diverse and stronger.”

The selection process is designed to keep barriers low. In collaboration with the Royal Dutch Automobile Federation (KNAF) and local karting clubs, workshops are organized in community centers and schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Boys and girls from cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam-West, and even border villages in Limburg can apply via a simple online tool. A panel of experts, including former F1 driver Christijan Albers and psychologist Anna van der Meer, will assess not only speed but also perseverance and team spirit. The winners receive a full package: their own kart, membership in a top team, and a mentor—often a senior driver from the Red Bull Junior Team. “We’re looking for rough diamonds, not polished gems,” laughs Albers.

Verstappen is personally investing two million euros in the first year, supplemented by partnerships with Viaplay and ING. The money comes from his own pocket, a sign of commitment following his recent contract extension with Red Bull until 2028. But it goes beyond finance; the program integrates education. Drivers take modules on finance, media, and health, preparing them for the pressures of the professional world. “Racing is 1 percent talent, 99 percent mindset,” says Verstappen. “These kids learn that from day one.” A pilot project with five Dutch teenagers, launched in the summer of 2025, has already yielded success: two participants qualified for the European Junior Karting Championship, with one of them achieving a podium finish.

The impact on motorsport could be enormous. Currently, the influx into the lower classes—karting, Formula 4—is a playground for the wealthy. According to a 2024 FIA report, a karting season costs an average of €50,000, excluding travel and maintenance. This excludes a lot of talent, especially from diverse backgrounds. Verstappen’s initiative aligns with broader movements, such as the F1 Academy for women and the #WeRaceAsOne campaign for inclusion. “Max is raising the bar,” responded FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “This could have a domino effect; teams like Mercedes and Ferrari will surely follow suit.” Critics, however, point to challenges: how do you objectively measure ‘disadvantaged’, and maintain the focus on quality? Verstappen counters: “We screen strictly, but fairly. Diversity makes the sport better, not weaker.”

Personally, this program reflects Verstappen’s evolution. From the rebellious teenager who debuted in F1 in 2015 to the adult who is now a father and philanthropist. His involvement with charities grew: from hospital visits to supporting climate initiatives. But this scholarship program feels like a culmination. “I race for myself, but I build for others,” he says. The first selection day, scheduled for March 2026 in Assen, is already attracting thousands of applications. Stories from kids like Jamal from The Hague, whose family is barely making ends meet, or Sofia from an asylum seekers’ center illustrate the urgency. “Racing is my escape,” Jamal shares. With Verstappen’s support, it can become a reality.

The future of motorsport depends on such visionaries. While electric cars and sustainability make headlines, Verstappen ensures the human side isn’t forgotten. His program opens doors for generations, proving that talent knows no postcode. In a sport where seconds count, he invests in minutes that change lives. This way, Max Verstappen becomes not just a champion on the track, but an architect of dreams. The race has just begun, and this time, we all win.