How Nico Hulkenberg and Max Verstappen's Friendship Began

Although Nico Hulkenberg has never raced for Red Bull Racing or Toro Rosso, he shares a long-standing connection with Max Verstappen. The two drivers represented the Dutch karting team CRG at different stages of their careers, where both took important steps on their path to professional motorsport.
Hulkenberg also grew up in Emmerich am Rhein, Germany, close to the Dutch border, and regularly competed at karting circuits in the Netherlands during his youth. The current Audi F1 driver said those early experiences created a lasting bond with the country that remains with him today.
The two drivers have maintained a close relationship over the years. After Hulkenberg secured the first Formula 1 podium of his career at the 2025 British Grand Prix, Verstappen was among the first to congratulate his longtime friend. Hulkenberg said their friendship and mutual respect date back to their karting days.