In an event that is both heartbreaking and extremely human, Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 world champion, responded emotionally when he learned that a devoted fan, Mark from the Netherlands, had become missing during the devastating floods in Texas. Verstappen, known for its cool attitude on the circuit, could not control his emotions and shouted: “Don’t hold me back!” When he tried to immediately initiate help to find Mark.
The Texan floods of July 2025 have led to chaos, large -scale evacuations and dozens of missing. Among them is Mark van Loon, a 27-year-old fan who lived in Texas and was known within the F1 community as an avid supporter of Max. Mark traveled the world to see his idol racing live, and recently posted photos of his visit to the Miami Grand Prix. When the news of his loss Max reached, the driver had just returned to Monaco after his victory in Austria.
According to sources close to the Verstappen family, Max immediately asked his team to contact the authorities in Texas and with aid organizations involved in the rescue actions. His mother, Sophie Kumpen, and sister Victoria Verstappen have now also called on social media with photos of Mark, in the hope that someone will recognize him or know where he is.
De hashtag#FindMarkHas since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where thousands of fans have expressed their support for the search. “This is what makes the Formula 1 community so special,” said one of the organizers of an online search group. “We may be fans of different teams, but in times of need we come together. And Max shows that he is not only a champion on the circuit, but also beyond.”
According to local news sources, Mark was last seen on July 13 near the river bed of the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country. He would have tried to help a family that was stuck in their vehicle, just before the water level started to rise dangerously. His heroic act is already praised, even without certainty about his destiny. “He was always someone who acted without thinking about his own safety,” said his girlfriend, Elise, in an interview with local media.
The rescue work is complicated by unpredictable weather and damage to infrastructure. Nevertheless, volunteers, including members of the Dutch Expathic Community in Texas, continue to search. Max reportedly also promised financial resources to use drones, search teams and thermal cameras in the area where Mark was last seen.
In a short but powerful statement on his Instagram Stories, Max wrote: “Mark, if you see this in one way or another: know that we are looking for you. Don’t give you up. We’ll come to get you.” These words, simple but sincere, hit millions of people worldwide and were shared within a few hours by countless media, fellow drivers and fans.
Experts in the field of disaster communication say that Max ’open involvement can make an important difference. “When an international sports hero is committed publicly, that can generate an avalanche of attention,” says Dr. Lianne van den Broek, professor of media and crisis at Utrecht University. “It puts pressure on local authorities, mobilizes citizens and increases the chance of new instructions.”
The use of Max ’family remains impressive. His father, Jos Verstappen, has even traveled to Texas to personally participate in the search. Jos can be seen in images that have gone viral while studying cards from the disaster area with a local volunteer. “We won’t let this go,” Jos told a Texan journalist.
There are also rumors that the Formula 1 organization is considering having a moment of silence or tribute to Mark during the next Grand Prix. Although this has not yet been officially confirmed, it shows how much impact this case has now received within the sports world.
What makes this situation extra moving is that Mark was not just a fan. He had been in contact with the Red Bull Racing team several times and even had a meeting with Max in Zandvoort last year. “He was one of those fans you never forget,” said an employee of the team. “Always friendly, always a smile, and always with a flag in his hand.”
The search for Mark is still in full swing. Local authorities have now opened a special hotline for tips and testimonials. Aid organizations ask people in the region to stay alert and to view their environment, especially in remote areas.
In the meantime, the world continues to watch, hope and pray. The emotions can be felt, from the streets of Limburg to the banks of the flooded rivers in Texas. Max Verstappen’s shout: “Don’t hold me back!” has grown into a symbol of human connectedness and the power of compassion.
Nobody knows with certainty whether Mark will be found. But what is certain is that he has not forgotten. And that, thanks to the love of one of the greatest athletes in the world and a whole community of fans, his name continues to sound – as a reminder of courage, hope and the power of real bond between sports hero and fan.
