Four-time Formula One champion Max Verstapen successfully completed his community service punishment on Friday, December 13, during which he met and inspired some students aspiring to become future car engineers and drivers in the motorsport space. The Dutch driver was ordered to complete his punishment after using unacceptable language during the pre-event press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. After amicable discussions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, he agreed to complete his service in Kigali before receiving his award the Formula One champion of the year. ALSO READ: Formular One star Max Verstappen expected in Rwanda Flanked by Sulayem, Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) Christian Gakwaya and Minister of Sports Richard Nyirishema, Verstappen visited the recently-introduced first cross car that was manufactured by Rwandan students. Meeting the students during the activity at BK Arena’s Karting ground, the 27-year old Formula One star shared his car racing journey to becoming a Formula One champion and told the students that whatever they dream of becoming starts at a tender age. “It all started when I was a kid. I was lucky because my parents were racing already and, when I grew up, that’s the only thing I saw and I said ‘I wat to do this as well’,” he said. “When you are a kid...and you see them racing, driving...that’s how you get emotionally attached to it. That’s why I guess it is very important to invest into grassroots,” he added. Sulayem revealed that Verstapen was excited to learn that he would complete his community service punishment in Kigali before accepting his trophy as the Formula One driver of the year in a glitzy prize giving ceremony held at BK Arena in Kigali.
