A devastating incident unfolded in Hasselt on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, when a 49-year-old woman, identified as Sophie Kumpen, the mother of Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street with her family. The collision, which occurred at approximately 06:56 AM EDT, has left the community in shock and raised renewed concerns about distracted driving.
According to local authorities, the driver, a 32-year-old man, was using his mobile phone and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Grote Markt and Kapelstraat. Witnesses reported that Kumpen was walking with family members when the vehicle, a silver sedan, sped through the crossing, striking her. Emergency services were promptly dispatched, and first responders found Kumpen in critical condition. She was rushed to Jessa Hospital, where she remains in intensive care. Medical staff have not released further details about her condition, citing privacy concerns.
The Verstappen family, known for their deep ties to motorsport, has been thrust into the spotlight under tragic circumstances. Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, was reportedly not present at the scene but has since traveled to Hasselt to be with his family. The Red Bull Racing team issued a brief statement expressing support: “Our thoughts are with Sophie Kumpen and the Verstappen family during this difficult time. We respect their privacy and will provide updates as appropriate.”
Police investigations revealed that the driver showed no signs of intoxication but admitted to being distracted by his phone. Authorities have seized the device for forensic analysis, and the driver faces potential charges of reckless driving and causing grievous bodily harm. Inspector Lukas Mertens of the Hasselt Police Department stated, “This is a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving. A moment of inattention can change lives forever.”
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with many gathering at the site to lay flowers and demand stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Hasselt resident Anna Peeters, who witnessed the aftermath, said, “It’s heartbreaking. You see someone’s life turned upside down because a driver couldn’t put their phone down. We need harsher penalties for this.”
Sophie Kumpen, a former karting driver herself, is a well-known figure in the motorsport community. She competed successfully in the 1990s and has been a significant influence on her son’s career. Max Verstappen, who clinched his third consecutive F1 title in 2024, has often credited his mother’s support and competitive spirit as key to his success. The news of her accident has reverberated through the F1 world, with drivers and teams expressing solidarity on social media platforms like X.
The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, released a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Sophie Kumpen’s accident. The entire motorsport community stands with the Verstappen family, and we wish Sophie a full and speedy recovery.”
This tragedy comes amid growing concerns about road safety in Belgium, where distracted driving incidents have risen by 12% over the past five years, according to government statistics. Advocacy groups are now calling for tougher legislation, including mandatory hands-free laws and increased fines for mobile phone use while driving.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on Sophie Kumpen’s recovery and the Verstappen family’s strength in the face of adversity. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of preventable accidents. Authorities are urging drivers to prioritize road safety, emphasizing that no text or call is worth a life.
The Hasselt community and the global motorsport family await updates on Kumpen’s condition, holding onto hope for her recovery while grappling with the fragility of life in the wake of this avoidable tragedy.
