The first Dutch Formula 1 world champion was presented with the royal decoration by Sports Minister Conny Helder. “It’s a particularly proud moment for me and it comes very unexpectedly, so early in my career,” said Verstappen, 24. “I want to thank my family and those close to me, but also Red Bull who are like a second family to me. We have achieved this together”.
According to Minister Helder, Verstappen is “a great inspiration to many”, she said at the ceremony. “To become a champion, it is not enough to have talent. Many years of hard and long work, without giving up and persevering. And finally, you are the first Dutchman to win the Formula 1 world title. What a fantastic success. You have also put the Netherlands on the world map”.
This Sunday, the Dutch Grand Prix, 15th of the 22 Grands Prix of the season, takes place in Zandvoort. Last year, Verstappen won there.
Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015. A year later he won his first race in Barcelona. At the time, he had just moved from Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) to Red Bull, the team for which he still drives today.