Tu-tu-du-du Max Verstappen: what is the origin of the most viral F1 song?
Any Formula 1 fan knows it: Tu-tu-tu-du, Max Verstappen! The song was released a few years ago, but it only really took off after being played at music festivals. So, what’s the whole story behind this anthem dedicated to four time world champion?
The origin of the 'Tu-tu-tu-du, Max Verstappen' song
The track, officially titled “33 Max Verstappen,” was created by the DJ duo Carte Blanq in collaboration with Maxx Power. Dominic Graat, who forms Carte Blanq with his wife Inge, told Omroep Brabant that the idea for the song came to him while they were in Verstappen’s grandstand at the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix. He felt a song about Verstappen was needed that “everyone could sing along to,” just like football chants.
In early 2022, two months after Verstappen secured his first world championship, the song was uploaded to YouTube. The track also incorporates commentary from Olav Mol at the moment Verstappen clinched his first title, along with clips from Verstappen’s on-board radio communications.
The breakthrough of 'Tu-tu-tu-du Max Verstappen'
In 2023, the Max Verstappen song was re-released under the Spinnin’ Records label. Olav Mol’s commentary was removed, and Verstappen’s voice from the on-board radio clips was replaced.
33 Max Verstappen truly gained widespread recognition after being played at music festivals. In 2024, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike featured the track at Tomorrowland, and the iconic “Tu-tu-tu-du, Max Verstappen” chant was heard again at the Belgian festival in 2025 when DJ duo Sub Zero Project played it.
Max Verstappen laughs at his own song
Max Verstappen now also knows the song. In Hungary, he was loudly sung to with the song at the fan-stage. His response was to laugh, saying: “This is going to be a problem one day if you go to sleep and just do this in your sleep.”
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