Numerous companies, writers, commentators, former drivers and many others are now benefiting from the success of world champion Max Verstappen. But what about motorsport itself? Does Max's global triumph also open doors for other Dutch drivers? Jaap de Groot investigated the 'Effect of Max' and spoke to various stakeholders.

In fact, Max's Effect becomes immediately visible. For the first time in history, the Netherlands is directly involved in the three largest global motorsport classes: Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR. All good for an audience of millions and full stands, often with more than 100.000 spectators. With Max Verstappen as a global figurehead in Formula 1, Rinus van Kalmthout (Rinus VeeKay) in IndyCar and Loris Hezemans on behalf of Team Hezeberg in NASCAR. The latter is even a completely Dutch project through team owners Toine Hezemans and Ernst Berg.

But first an overview of the current Dutch contribution to the most prominent classes, in a sport that is teeming with all kinds of different categories:

FORMULA 1: Max Verstappen (24 years old).

FORMULA 2: Richard Verschoor (21). The Dutch teams MP Motorsport and Van Amersfoort Racing are also active in this class. Only this year without homegrown riders. In 2019, Nyck de Vries was crowned the first Dutch world champion in Formula 2.

FORMULA 3: MP Motorsport and Van Amersfoort Racing are also active in this class, neither of which have any Dutch drivers under contract.

FORMULA E: Robin Frijns (30) and Nyck de Vries (27). After winning the world title in Formula 2019 in 2, Nyck de Vries is also the reigning world champion in this electric version of Formula 1.

INDYCAR SERIES: Rinus van Kalmthout, alias Rinus VeeKay (21).

NASCAR: Loris Hezemans (25).

W SERIES: Beitske Visser (27) and Emely de Heus (19) are active in this women's class.

A nice list, although for the time being only Nyck de Vries is close to the pinnacle of motorsport. But despite great world titles in Formula 2 and on behalf of Mercedes in Formula E, it still hasn't happened for the now 27-year-old Frisian. However, he recently took action on behalf of Williams during the first training for the Spanish Grand Prix and McLaren and Mercedes have already indicated that they may also invite Nyck de Vries this season for the same session as in Barcelona. Nyck de Vries can still wax lyrical about that first time: “Every driver dreams of Formula 1 and a part of that dream came true in Barcelona. For the first time I rode among all those other drivers. It was really kicking. It was also nice that I was faster than Nicholas Latifi (with Alex Albon, one of the two regular drivers at Williams; ed.). In any case, I really appreciated that I finally got that opportunity. A taste of the greatness of Formula 1. This also became clear to me during the press conference after my first training. Three times as many journalists attended this event than after my Formula 2 world title. In the meantime, I will wait and take what I can get as a professional driver. One week in New York with Formula E and then again with Endurance in the Middle East. Although I am 27, luckily I look a lot younger. Let them think I'm still a rookie.”

Former Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers explains the complexity of career planning in motorsport. “The process via Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2 can still be managed reasonably well. Also regarding sponsorship. Formula 1 is a completely different story. Apart from a super talent like Max Verstappen, there is actually nothing to plan for. First of all, by drivers with a wealthy following who buy in, which is still a necessity for some teams. Secondly, there is a huge range and then it becomes necessary to fine-tune all kinds of details for each team. Getting in between is really very complex.” A talent who has almost completed his step-by-step plan towards Formula 1 is 21-year-old Richard Verschoor, who is currently working on a mixed season in Formula 2 for the Italian team Trident. The class has served as a springboard towards Formula 1 in recent years. 2 served for Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher. By winning the title in Formula XNUMX (Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Mick Schumacher) or standing out because of the way he races (Lando Norris).

Nyck de Vries: “Just a taste of the greatness of Formula 1. That also became clear to me during the press conference after my first training. Three times as many journalists attended that event than after my Formula 2 world title.”

Jan Lammers has also mapped out a trajectory for his 13-year-old son René. According to many experts, he is an exceptional talent, who is currently working in a way that has many parallels with the way in which Max Verstappen was prepared for Formula 1 by his father Jos. Just like Max at the start of his career, Lammers Jr. is currently very successful in karting. René Lammers immediately won the opening race of the season in the World Series Karting Super Masters, where the great talents of the future race in the OK Junior class.He also competes in the FIA ​​European Championship and there too the driver of the Italian Parolin Motorsport is a candidate for the title. To what extent is his son triggered by Max Verstappen? Jan Lammers: “Of course that stimulated him enormously and Max's racing still inspires. In addition, it is clear that René has had racing DNA in him from birth. Because his above-average qualities quickly emerged, we started working on them. Based on the principle that we must win first before the next step is taken.” Enthusiastic by the successes of Max Verstappen, sponsors also appeared to be attracted by another young winner. Jan Lammers: “It is absolutely a fact that it is now very beneficial in motorsport to get people involved. While in the past I often had to approach the farm carefully, sponsors now register spontaneously. 25 to 30 sponsors have now committed to René, meaning he is covered for 2023 and 2024. After that, things will also be good for Formula 4 and we will still have some time to properly map out Formula 3. In terms of planning, this is wonderful, in fact we have never had such a nice time.” By the way, there has been no contact between René and Max yet. Father Jan: “That hasn't happened yet. Doesn't seem so strange to me, when you see Max's overcrowded schedule. Personally, I mainly have contact with my buddy Jos Verstappen. I catch up with him every now and then.”

That leaves the two other global classes. At least, IndyCar and NASCAR are mainly very American. As a result, Max Verstappen's effect there is a lot less. Only in the past year has Formula 1 been on the rise in the US, mainly thanks to the successful Netflix production Drive to Survive. Produced by Formula 1 owner and media giant Liberty Media, this reality series, with the drivers in the leading roles, turned out to be a hit. Especially among American youth, which is why Formula 1 is now working to make up for the traditional gap with IndyCar and NASCAR.Which makes it clear that Rinus van Kalmthout in the IndyCar Series and Loris Hezemans in NASCAR have to do a lot on their own. Although Rinus van Kalmthout, known in America as Rinus VeeKay, has the same sponsor as Max Verstappen with Jumbo. And that is certainly no coincidence. Just like in René and Jan Lammers' project, performing and especially winning is the only way for Rinus VeeKay to stand out in America. In that respect, he cannot grumble, because he has already taken pole position once, won one race in Indianapolis and recently reached a speed of no less than 375,311 kilometers per hour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The third fastest time ever driven at the home of the world famous Indy 500. That record is still held by another Dutchman: Arie Luyendijk. The two-time winner of the Indy 500 drove 1996 kilometers faster in 5,3 (!).

Then the NASCAR Cup Series, the highest level of American stock cars. This year marks the debut of Dutchman Loris Hezemans, scion of a well-known racing family and winner of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. His father Toine and entrepreneur Ernst Berg formed a team around the 25-year-old driver, Team Hezeberg, and provided two Ford Mustangs that can compete on regular circuits in America. Ernst Berg: “After the success in Europe, Toine wanted to take the next step with Loris. That opportunity arose with the introduction of the Next-Gen car to NASCAR. Until then, NASCAR was so specifically American that it was virtually impossible for Europeans to get involved. Especially from a technical point of view. The arrival of the Next-Gen car made things completely different. Instead of those old cars, there was suddenly the opportunity to seriously work on the chassis and other aspects of the car. It is the first NASCAR car with an independent suspension and a European sequential gearbox. A real racer.” This way a difference can be made technically and Team Hezeberg is now trying to seize that opportunity. After previously joining Reaume Brothers Racing in the state of North Carolina, cooperation is now also being started with the renowned English engineering company M-Sport.

This season, Team Hezeberg will start on all regular circuits in America, because Loris Hezemans still needs a special license to race on the ovals. The ambition of Toine Hezemans and Ernst Berg is evident from the fact that they have hired none other than Jacques Villeneuve as their second driver. Indeed, the former Formula 1 world champion and winner of the Indy 500. Unlike other racing classes, there is no Max effect in NASCAR. Ernst Berg: “Being Dutch does not provide any advantage here. You have to perform and win and only then will they look at where you come from. We are doing this entire project entirely on our own. Nevertheless, Max Verstappen's performance is an extra motivation for every Dutch driver to get the most out of themselves.”

It is clear that Dutch motorsport is alive as never before. The contribution to Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR is even unique. In the meantime, we have to wait for Max Verstappen's successor. In any case, René Lammers is someone to keep a serious eye on, and there is a huge increase in young karters. Once the most misunderstood sport in the Netherlands, karting tracks are now springing up like mushrooms. And this increases the chance of a new super talent.

Thanks to the Effect of Max.

MASTERS MAGAZINE

In the summer edition of MASTERS an interview with Sven Kramer, a driving impression of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and a study into the Effect of Max. But above all, it features people who bring light to the darkness. Such as Henk Jan Beltman, who took over Tony's Chocolonely because with a company you can make the world a more beautiful place. Chef Emile van der Staak, who has the ambition to change our food culture and therefore cooks with plants and vegetables that he obtains from the food forest. Designer Nienke Hoogvliet, who has introduced natural seaweed paint as an alternative to harmful textile paint. And Anna Nooshin, who criticizes the current social media culture of pretty pictures. In her documentary she also shares the less beautiful aspects of her life. All people who ask questions, hold up mirrors, take steps. Steps towards a healthier world and more understanding society.

MASTERS #50