GOLDEN JOURNEY // IVAR VERSTAPPEN [BOOK 2]

3.

"As the son of a famous driver-isn't it hard that you can't race because of your disability? Do you think your family would be prouder if you did?"

~•~

For the first time in twelve years, Ivar Percival Verstappen decided-or rather, was persuaded by his father-to step back onto the racetrack and experience the electrifying atmosphere of Formula 1 firsthand. During those twelve years, he occasionally watched a race or two, as it was undeniably an interesting and entertaining sport, so he kept somewhat in the loop. The last time he'd been here, he was five, so everything felt new. He'd forgotten exactly how everything operated so smoothly, with each person in their role, and no one getting in each other's way. It captivated him-unlike in hockey, where everyone did their own thing, and teamwork only began once they were on the ice.

He last attended a race as a young child, barely five years old. Back then, he didn't think much about himself, and the people around him were mostly just blurry images and unfamiliar faces. Now, he was returning to a world that his father and other Formula 1 fans admired-but for him, it was still a place of discomfort and excessive attention. Still, he sensed that this time, it might feel different.

It was Max who encouraged him to come to the Netherlands. Every year, he asked if Ivar would like to attend one of his races, and every year Ivar just shook his head. But this time, after twelve years, he decided to make an exception. He felt that perhaps the time had come to see Formula 1 with a new perspective. Maybe this time, he'd allow himself to bear the spotlight and become, for a brief moment, part of the world his father had dedicated his life to. After all, there was a time when Ivar himself dreamed of being a Formula 1 driver, but his disability prevented that.

"It'll be fine," Max reassured him as they stood in the Red Bull pit. "Some people might point, a few might come up to you-but just smile and enjoy it. They're here for Formula 1, for the sport, not to judge you."

Ivar gave a small smile and nodded, though a feeling of discomfort still coursed through him. Being the son of a famous Formula 1 driver had its perks, but it also brought things he'd rather leave aside. He didn't have a leg, and he knew that any exposed prosthetic could attract the gaze of people who didn't understand. But this race meant more to him than a test of courage. It was also a test of self-respect and acceptance. Acceptance that he was Max Verstappen's son, but also his own person-Ivar, the guy who found his way in the world of para hockey and maybe even something more.

Moving through the crowd in the pit wasn't pleasant, but Ivar gradually found a way to focus on the positive feelings, on the fact that he was surrounded by people cheering for his father, people who brought joy, not mockery. He kept reminding himself of his father's words. Smile, enjoy.

Max's approach helped him, even if Max himself might not realize it. From the moment Ivar was born, Max had never tried to make his son do anything uncomfortable. He never pushed him to try the racing world or viewed him as the potential successor to his name on the track. In this attitude, Ivar felt free to enjoy his life, and today, on his own terms.