PATHETIC: Max Verstappen in touching gesture after teenage racing star’s cancer diagnosis… Read more
Max Verstappen in touching gesture after teenage racing star’s cancer diagnosis
Teenage British racing driver Will Macintyre has shared how he has been deeply moved by a kind and unexpected gesture from reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, after announcing that he has been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer.
The 18-year-old, who competes in the GB3 Championship and was the 2023 British F4 vice-champion, revealed the devastating news earlier this month through an emotional Instagram post. Macintyre explained that he would be taking an indefinite break from racing as he begins his battle with the illness. Despite the shocking diagnosis, he has already started treatment and remains determined to one day return to the sport he loves.
Speaking in a recent interview with BBC News, Macintyre said he had been overwhelmed by the messages of support he has received from across the motorsport world. Among those who reached out were Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, rising Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli, and Verstappen himself.
“Even people I’ve never met before—Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli and Susie Wolff—all wishing me well,” Macintyre said. “It’s been unbelievable. Thanks everyone so, so much.”
The young racer went on to explain that he has tried to make his hospital experience as comfortable and uplifting as possible. Friends have been visiting regularly, bringing along sweets, snacks, and even a VR headset to help him pass the time. One of his favourite activities, he shared, is playing virtual golf from his hospital bed.
“I mean, we’ve just got to make the time go by quicker,” he added. “And whenever I’m talking to anyone, time flies by.”
A Determined Spirit
Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, Macintyre has not lost sight of his dream to race again. The Englishman admitted that while he cannot predict whether it will take months or years, he is fully committed to returning to motorsport once he recovers.
At just 18 years old, his story is especially poignant. Macintyre has dedicated most of his young life to racing, beginning his karting journey at the age of eight. His rapid rise through the ranks earned him recognition in the British motorsport scene, and his runner-up finish in the 2023 British F4 championship suggested a promising career ahead.
The teenager revealed that the first signs of his illness appeared when he began experiencing migraines. A visit to the doctors earlier this month quickly led to the diagnosis, which was confirmed within hours.
The Outpouring of Support
Macintyre’s courage has struck a chord with the motorsport community and beyond. His initial Instagram post detailing the diagnosis has already drawn close to 90,000 likes, as well as countless comments of encouragement.
David Croft, the voice of Formula 1 on Sky Sports, was among the first to respond. “Sending big love and positivity from Laura and I mate. Stay strong Champ,” Croft wrote.
He was joined by Nicolas Hamilton, the BTCC driver and brother of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who commented: “You got this bro!”
This wave of support has clearly provided comfort for Macintyre during what is undoubtedly the toughest fight of his life.
Verstappen’s Touching Message
While Macintyre did not reveal the exact details of Verstappen’s gesture, the fact that the reigning F1 champion—someone he has never even met—took the time to send personal well wishes speaks volumes about the solidarity within motorsport. For a young driver facing such a difficult diagnosis, words from one of the sport’s greatest modern talents carry immense weight.
Macintyre continues to remain positive and grateful, determined to keep his spirits high as he undergoes treatment. With the support of family, friends, and some of the biggest names in motorsport, the teenager has vowed that his racing journey is far from over.
His story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unifying power of sport, where rivals and heroes alike rally together in times of hardship. For now, the motorsport community watches with admiration and hope, united in cheering on Will Macintyre as he faces this new and most challenging race of his life.
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