Verstappen participated in a grassroots motorsport development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club on Friday, December 13, 2024, during his visit to Kigali to collect his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship trophy.
The initiative, though part of a disciplinary measure imposed by the FIA following inappropriate remarks made during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, offered Verstappen a chance to engage directly with aspiring drivers and engineers.
For the Red Bull driver, the experience was much more than fulfilling a penalty.
Speaking afterwards, Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of motorsport in Africa and the power of such programs to break down barriers faced by young drivers in developing nations.
'In the whole world, everything is getting more and more expensive, so the more you can build [motorsports] in your own country, the more you make it affordable for kids,' the 63-time Grand Prix winner said.
'I think it's great to have that possibility, and I hope it stimulates all these kids so that they want to be a racing driver, an engineer, in the future.'
He emphasized his belief in the transformative potential of initiatives like this one.
'It has massive potential and that is what I think everyone is working on... trying to make everyone very enthusiastic. It doesn't matter where in the world you come from, anything is possible,' he added.
'That's why I also think it's important that we're here. I'm very excited to see that hopefully in five to ten years, there are more people coming through [into motorsports].'
After a day focused on community service, Verstappen made his way to the iconic BK Arena for the FIA Prize-Giving Gala, where he was awarded his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship trophy.
This achievement places him among the sport's all-time greats, tying him with legends such as Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
Reflecting on his impressive accomplishments, Verstappen stayed true to his characteristic humility.
'As a kid, when you grow up, you don't think about these things. You look at the names and think, 'Wow, that's really impressive. I hope one day I can be on the podium!'' he said during the ceremony.
He noted that his success has been a combination of preparation and seizing opportunities.
'But, sometimes you get lucky in life... you're in the right place at the right time! Luckily, I've been able to do that. It's amazing. Four titles is incredible,' he added, a smile lighting up his face.
Looking to the future, Verstappen remains driven both on and off the track.
'Winning four titles is incredible, but I hope it's just the beginning. For now, it's important to celebrate what we've achieved as a team and keep pushing for more successâ€"not just for us, but for the sport worldwide.'
The 2024 FIA Prize-Giving Gala in Kigali was a historic event, marking the first time the ceremony was held in Africa.
Earlier, President Paul Kagame had confirmed Rwanda's formal bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a move that would bring the thrill of racing back to the continent for the first time in three decades.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
