*Monaco, July 1, 2025* — In a heartfelt gesture that’s making waves both inside and outside the Formula 1 world, reigning F1 World Champion **Max Emilian Verstappen** has announced that he will **donate a significant portion of his 2025 salary** to help combat homelessness in his **birth country of Belgium**.
The initiative, unveiled in a joint press conference with several Belgian non-profit organizations, marks a rare and personal philanthropic move for Verstappen, who has typically kept his charitable work under the radar. Now, with global attention already fixed on the F1 grid leader, he’s using his platform for meaningful impact.
A Cause Close to Home
Verstappen, born in **Hasselt, Belgium**, has always emphasized his connection to both Dutch and Belgian roots. While he races under the Dutch flag, he spent much of his childhood in Belgium and has expressed a strong emotional attachment to the communities there.
> “I’ve been very fortunate in my career,” Verstappen shared at the press event. “But when I go back to Hasselt, Liège, or even Brussels, it’s hard to ignore the growing number of people sleeping on the streets. I wanted to do something that went beyond racing. Something that could help people reclaim their lives.”
Verstappen’s donation — reportedly **€7 million**, nearly **10% of his annual salary from Red Bull Racing** — will be directed toward **three major Belgian charities** working in homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and mental health services. Among them are *Solidarité Grands Froids*, *Infirmiers de Rue*, and *Toit Pour Tous*.
Beyond the Grid
The move comes at a time when homelessness in Belgium has reached record highs. According to reports from the Belgian Federal Planning Bureau, over **17,000 people** are estimated to be homeless or living in insecure housing across the country — a number that has grown significantly in the last decade.
Verstappen’s financial support will fund the construction of **temporary housing shelters**, provide **mental health counseling**, and expand **job training programs** for those at risk of long-term homelessness.
> “Max’s contribution is not just generous — it’s transformational,” said Céline Lambert, director of *Solidarité Grands Froids*. “It sends a powerful message that even global superstars have a role to play in creating a more compassionate society.”
Leading by Example
Inside the Formula 1 paddock, Verstappen’s move has been widely praised by fellow drivers and team personnel. McLaren’s Lando Norris tweeted, *“Incredible gesture by Max. Racing fast and thinking big — love to see it.”* Mercedes’ George Russell added, *“Much respect to Max for using his success to help those who need it most.”*
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, noted:
> “We’ve always known Max is a fierce competitor, but this shows his heart is just as strong as his driving. We’re proud to support him in this effort.”
In tandem with the donation, Red Bull Racing has also announced a limited-edition charity merchandise line — with **all proceeds going to housing initiatives in Belgium**.
A New Chapter
At only 27 years old, Verstappen is already a four-time F1 World Champion and arguably one of the most dominant forces in motorsport history. Yet, this act marks a turning point in how the public sees him — not just as a champion on the track, but as a humanitarian off it.
Fans have taken to social media using hashtags like **#DriveForHope** and **#VerstappenGivesBack**, celebrating their hero’s decision to champion something far beyond Grand Prix trophies.
As Verstappen himself put it, “I race for the win every Sunday. But this? This is about winning back people’s futures. And that’s something worth every euro.”
