Max Verstappen is the new ambassador of the VDK Group
Published on 14 November 2026 by Niels Hendrix
The VDK Group is entering into a partnership with four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutch race car driver will become the new ambassador of the VDK Group and will play a prominent role in the international branding of the rapidly growing group of installation companies in the coming years. Through this partnership, the VDK Group aims to further increase its brand awareness, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
The partnership comes at a special time for the VDK Group. The company has grown significantly in recent years and has now firmly established itself outside the Netherlands as well. While VDK began in 2013 as a Dutch group of technical companies, it is increasingly evolving into an international player, now with operations in six European countries.
With Max Verstappen, VDK Group is partnering with a unique Dutch elite athlete with international appeal. The partnership is not just about visibility. The similarities between the two worlds also play an important role: technology, craftsmanship, teamwork, ambition, and the constant drive to move forward. These are topics that are also becoming increasingly important in the field of installation engineering.
“The fact that Max Verstappen is joining the VDK Group makes me incredibly proud,” says Frans van der Kolk, founder and CEO of the VDK Group. “Max has been among the absolute world’s best for years. 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.”
This partnership aligns with the next phase VDK Group is entering. Frans van der Kolk: “We’ve grown by bringing together strong local and family-owned businesses and giving entrepreneurs the freedom to thrive. That foundation won’t change. At the same time, we’re looking beyond our borders with increasing focus. With companies in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium, we’re forming an increasingly international group. Max Verstappen is known worldwide and, at the same time, embodies that recognizable 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.”
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is also looking forward to the collaboration. “There are many similarities between the world of VDK and Formula 1. 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 specialization and responsibility. I recognize that in the way VDK operates. 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.”
The Next Chapter
Max Verstappen is the new face of the VDK Group, but Robert Doornbos will also remain associated with the VDK Group. The former race car driver, who has been closely associated with VDK over the past two years—playing a key role in various recruitment campaigns, events, and relationship-building activities—will continue to be involved with VDK. Doornbos has served as a speaker at various VDK events and will continue to do so in the coming years as an ambassador. Notably, Doornbos played a key role on behalf of the VDK Group in bringing this new partnership to fruition.
“I am very pleased with the collaboration with Frans and the VDK Group,” says Robert Doornbos. “We’ve already achieved great things together, and I’ve really gotten to know the people behind VDK. The fact that I’ve now also been able to contribute to this next step makes it even more special. With Max, the VDK Group is, of course, bringing in someone who is truly in a league of his own. I’m happy that we’re now working together for the VDK Group and am really looking forward to the years ahead.”
From Dutch Growth to International Ambition
For the VDK Group, this partnership marks the start of a new phase in its external branding. Max Verstappen will be featured in the VDK Group’s communications and marketing campaigns in the coming period. The partnership is intended to boost VDK’s international visibility and enhance the group’s appeal to technical talent, customers, entrepreneurs looking to join the VDK Group, and partners.
