Max Verstappen has revealed that he will tackle the Formula 1 World Championship showdown without the support of his parents, who will not be present.
The Dutchman arrives at the Yas Marina Circuit for the season finale in Abu Dhabi second in the Drivers’ standings, 12 points behind leader Lando Norris, with Oscar Piastri four behind.
Verstappen is still the outsider given his points deficit to Norris, but has produced an almost miraculous streak since the summer break to put himself in contention for the first time.
From Zandvoort onwards, Verstappen has completed a 100 per cent podium record, with five of those nine races being wins.
Such is the surprise that Verstappen is even mathematically capable of winning the championship that his parents, Sophie and Jos, have not travelled to Abu Dhabi for the race.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s nail-biter, Verstappen explained that both parents have made other plans, which includes his father competing in his own motorsport event.
“No, [my] parents are not here,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“My dad is rallying in Africa. And my mum, yeah, I guess it was not planned. I mean, I also didn’t really plan to be in the title fight till the end, so… Yeah, here we are.
“Yeah, I think after Zandvoort everything was a bit cancelled, I would say. Yeah, my mom is at home happy with the dogs. You can see a lot on TV anyway.”
Family time and motorsport side quests make up Verstappen preparations
Within the paddock in Abu Dhabi, the tension is so high that you could, as the great Murray Walker once said, cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump.
If the vibe is such in the paddock, it might not bear thinking about the anguish that could exist inside the three title protagonists as the moment of truth and destiny draws near.
But not for Verstappen, who, in his typically calm manner, has been spending the days leading up to his title showdown with the McLaren pair planning his additional racing activities for 2026, both in reality and virtually.
When asked how the trio have been preparing, Verstappen responded: “Spent some time with my daughter, figured some stuff out for GT3 for next year.
“Figured out some stuff for my sim team [Team Redline] as well, planning for next year. So yeah, just pretty straightforward stuff.”
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