This week, a touching moment occurred in a hospital in Utrecht that no one will soon forget. Eleven-year-old Daan, a courageous boy suffering from a terrible brain tumor, made one last wish: a brief conversation with his great hero, Formula One champion Max Verstappen. What followed exceeded all expectations of his family, the hospital staff, and even Verstappen himself.

Daan has been undergoing treatment since he was ninth. His days are filled with chemotherapy, surgeries, and a lot of bed time. But what kept him awake was his unconditional love for Formula 1. His room was filled with Max posters, and he faithfully watched every race, no matter how sick he felt. According to his mother, Max Verstappen was “the only reason he smiled sometimes.”

When Last Wen’s foundation asked him what he wanted to do, he immediately replied: “I’d like to speak to Max Verstappen. Even if it’s just for a minute.” The foundation didn’t hesitate and contacted Verstappen’s team. Within hours, the response arrived: Max didn’t just want to call, he wanted to come in person.

The next day, a flashy Red Bull bus appeared in front of the hospital. Nurses and patients approached to look curiously, and to their surprise, Max Verstappen stepped out. He was carrying an autographed racing helmet and a Red Bull T-shirt, specially made for Daan.

When he entered Daan’s room, the boy couldn’t believe his eyes. He whispered softly, “Is that really you?” Max nodded, sat down next to him, and began speaking softly. The conversation turned to racing, circuits, but also to courage and perseverance. Max explained how brave he thought Daan was and how nervous he himself was about meeting him.

Together they played a driving simulator, and Daan was even allowed to put on the helmet Max had brought. The hospital staff watched them emotionally. Some held back a tear. According to one nurse, it was “the best moment we’ve ever had here.”

When Max greeted him, he said, “You’re stronger than anyone else on the starting grid. You’re the real champion.” He promised that if Daan ever felt strong enough, he’d personally invite him to a Formula 1 race.

The Van Daan family couldn’t express their gratitude. In a moment of pain and uncertainty, there was an equally pure joy. “He’ll never forget it,” his father said. “And neither will we.”