Ten years ago, during a cold winter evening in Austria, Max Verstappen made a choice that had nothing to do with Formula 1 – but everything with humanity. While he was on his way to a training camp, he found a boy along the side of a deserted mountain road: thin, numb, hungry and clearly left to his fate.
Without doubting for a second, Verstappen took the boy, gave him to eat, warm clothes and ultimately something much bigger: a home. The boy, who is the nameLucaGot, was officially adopted by Max and raised as his own son.
With Max as a father figure, Luca grew up in an environment full of love, discipline and inspiration. He not only had a safe place to live, but also access to education, sports and personal development. Where Verstappen taught him how you are fighting on the track, Luca learned how to fight for others.
And he proved the latter in an impressive way.
During a benefit gala in Monaco this weekend, where Max Verstappen was honored for his contribution to youth projects, Luca surprised the room and his father. He unexpectedly took the floor and announced the establishment of his foundation:“Future Drive Foundation”-A non-profit organization that is committed to street children in Europe.
In just two years, with the support of partners and volunteers, Luca already hadMore than 7,000 childrenEquipped with meals, shelter, school material and guidance. His words on stage left everyone behind:
“Ten years ago, one man saved my life. Today I try to do that for thousands of others. Everything I am, I owe him.”
Max Verstappen, visibly emotional, wiped tears from his face. The audience-full of big names from the Formula 1 world-rose and gave a minute-long standing ovation. For many this was the most moving moment of the evening.
Verstappen later said:
“People see me as a champion by what I am doing on the track. But tonight I realized: Luca is my greatest achievement.”
The story of Luca and Max is more than a heart -warming moment – it is a memory of the power of compassion and the impact of one good deed. Ten years ago Max Verstappen saved a boy. Today that boy saves the world of many.
