Hard to imagine Max Verstappen without his father Jos. However, the former teammate of Michael Schumacher at Benetton, alongside his son since the beginning of his career, has taken a slight step back recently.
It must be said that the news of the universe Red Bull was turbulent and an internal war almost broke out when Christian Horner was in the spotlight for his extra-sporting affairs at the beginning of last year. Jos did not hesitate to step up and take a clear position in history. It has therefore not been uncommon to see him less regularly in the paddocks in 2024, even if this quarrel is not really at the origin which comes from before.
In fact, the former pilot of F1 put his suit back on in 2022 to explore the world of rally. Jos Verstappen was quickly hooked and multiplied his participations in events before opting for a full program. In 2025 for example, the Dutchman is expected among others in the Belgian championship but also in ERC, on all sleeves!
« This year I have planned 19 or 20 events: all the BRC rallies, all the ERC rallies, the Rallye International du Valais and a historic rally in Sweden., he confides in the podcast On the Rally Club. We will also be participating in the East African Safari Classic Rally with the Porsche. We have an incredibly beautiful program. »
Of course, such a schedule does not allow him to be as close to his son as before. However, this does not affect their very frank relationship over the years. karting of the now four-time world champion. Of course, I'm still involved with Max, continues Jos Verstappen.
Not as much as before, but I was by his side from the beginning of his career and even in F1. Today, everything is going well. He is old enough and mature enough to manage on his own. I think I am always the one who tells him honestly what is going well and what is not, and he appreciates that. I think everyone needs that. I always want the best for him, and of course, we want to win everything. That goes hand in hand with the criticism. Outside of rallying, it is really my life, everything revolves around racing. »
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