Max touched by Van 't Hoff's death: 'That reaction did something to me'
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The death of Dilano van 't Hoff did take a toll on Max Verstappen, he candidly revealed. A reaction of Van 't Hoff's sister under a post by Verstappen on Instagram reminded the 25-year-old driver of his own family.
The 18-year-old talent died on 1 July after a crash in a race at Spa-Francorchamps as part of the Formula Regional European Championship. The MP Motorsport driver started sliding with his car on Kemmel Straight in the rain and was hit by Adam Fitzgerald, who was driving at full speed. Help was unfortunately of no avail.
Verstappen had to think of his own family
Speaking to Formula One Magazine, Verstappen said he understands that parents are made to think by a crash like this and doubt whether they want to put their child in a kart. "Those thoughts are very logical, but your child could also get hit by a bike in Amsterdam. Risks are part of life or you have to put yourself in a cast and stay at home. But of course you do dwell on it. Me too, yes," said the reigning world champion.
"When the news of Dilano's accident came out, I had sent out a message via social media. Moments later, I saw that Dilano's sister had commented under my post: 'Max, you were his great role model. Thanks for this post.' That response did something to me. Then I immediately think of my family. Then you think: Sh*t, if this had happened to me, they would have... Then you do think: F*ck."
During the Belgian Grand Prix, Van 't Hoff's passing was once again remembered. A memorial in memory of Anthoine Hubert and Van 't Hoff was organised. Moreover, quite a few drivers and team personnel ran a lap around the Spa circuit at the invitation of Pierre Gasly.