Verstappen becomes ambassador for Dutch technical group VDK as company eyes European expansion

Max Verstappen has signed an ambassador deal with VDK Group, a Dutch technical and installation company with operations across the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion will take a prominent role in VDK’s international branding, appearing in the company’s communications and marketing campaigns as the group pursues further European expansion.

Verstappen drew a direct comparison between VDK’s structure and the inner workings of a Formula 1 team. “There are many similarities between the world of VDK and Formula 1,” the Red Bull driver said. “Technology plays a huge role, but anyone who follows the sport knows that you can only perform at your best if the entire team is top-notch. In a Formula 1 team, a huge number of people work every day to make everything better and faster. Everyone has their own area of specialisation and responsibility. I recognise that in the way VDK operates.”

He added that VDK’s international ambitions were a key draw. “It’s a group of many technical companies and professionals who all have their own expertise but are stronger together. VDK is an innovative company and also has major international ambitions. I’m excited to be a part of that in the coming years.”

VDK was founded in 2013 by Frans van der Kolk, who described Verstappen as the ideal figurehead for the company’s next phase of growth. “Max has been among the absolute world’s best for years,” van der Kolk said. “But what appeals to me just as much is what lies behind that. Talent alone is never enough. You need good people around you, mutual trust, technical expertise, and the drive to get better every day. That’s exactly what I see in the VDK Group.”

Van der Kolk also highlighted Verstappen’s global profile and distinctly Dutch identity as factors in the appointment. “Max Verstappen is known worldwide and, at the same time, embodies that recognisable Dutch down-to-earth attitude and winner’s mentality. To be honest, I can’t imagine a stronger face to represent where we want to take VDK.”

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos, who has worked with VDK for the past two years, will remain with the company as an ambassador alongside Verstappen.