Max Verstappen Remembers ‘Uncle Michael’ Schumacher: A Heartfelt Tribute to the F1 Legend
In a candid revelation that is sure to send shockwaves through the motorsport community, Max Verstappen has opened up about his cherished memories with the iconic Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion whose legacy looms large over the sport. As Verstappen carves his own path in F1, he finds himself in the midst of the heated debate surrounding the “greatest F1 driver of all time,” where comparisons to Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna are inevitable.
The Dutch racing prodigy, at just 28 years old, is rapidly closing in on Schumacher’s monumental records, and his connection to the legendary driver runs deeper than just statistics. Verstappen is the son of Jos Verstappen, who raced alongside Schumacher at Benetton in 1994, creating a familial bond that has endured through the years. This relationship blossomed beyond the racetrack; Verstappen fondly remembers Schumacher as “Uncle Michael,” a title that reflects the close-knit ties their families shared.
In an exclusive interview with Blick, Verstappen reminisced about their time together, stating, “A wonderful memory, filled with pictures and videos. Because my father, Jos, was Schumacher’s team-mate at Benetton in 1994, the families stayed in touch for many years afterward. We even spent a few holidays together.” It’s clear that these personal connections have shaped Verstappen’s career and outlook on racing.

Verstappen’s admiration for Schumacher extends beyond their family ties. He spoke of Schumacher’s relentless drive and determination, saying, “He was a driver who worked tirelessly and gave his all. For him, only victory mattered, regardless of how it was achieved.” This mindset resonates with Verstappen, who mirrors Schumacher’s focus both on the track and in his personal life, where family always comes first.
As Verstappen inches closer to breaking Schumacher’s legendary records, he stands just 20 race wins away from matching Schumacher’s staggering total of 91 victories. With 127 podium finishes to his name, he’s hot on the trail of Schumacher’s record of 155. The pressure mounts as Verstappen reflects on the missed opportunity to equal Schumacher’s record of five consecutive world titles in 2025, a feat that still belongs solely to the German.
But the competition doesn’t stop there. Verstappen is also eyeing Schumacher’s pole position record, currently at 68, with 48 to his name. The Dutchman has not only proven his prowess in qualifying but is also climbing the ranks in another critical statistic—wins from non-pole positions. Schumacher’s unmatched record of 51 is being challenged as Verstappen boasts 34 such victories.
The debate over who truly deserves the title of the greatest F1 driver continues to rage on, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Michael Schumacher remains a powerful influence in the world of motorsport. As Verstappen continues to etch his name into the annals of F1 history, the heartfelt memories of “Uncle Michael” serve as both a guiding light and a source of inspiration in his pursuit of greatness.
In an era where records are meant to be broken, Max Verstappen is not just chasing numbers; he is honoring a legacy that has captivated the hearts of millions. It remains to be seen what the future holds, but one fact is undeniable: the spirit of Michael Schumacher will forever be intertwined with the journey of Max Verstappen.






