Jos Verstappen Claims Belgian Rally Title on Historic Day for Family

Jos Verstappen and co-driver Renaud Jamoul secured the Belgian rally championship on Saturday, marking a truly unforgettable day for the Verstappen family. Piloting a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 car, Verstappen and Jamoul finished third in their class at the East Belgian Rally, a result sufficient to clinch the title with one round still to spare.

Why it matters:

This achievement represents a significant milestone for the former F1 driver, who transitioned to rallying a few years ago. For Jos, the father of four-time world champion Max, winning the title was the primary goal he and Jamoul had set for themselves, underscoring his successful pivot into a demanding motorsport discipline.

The Details:

• Championship Victory: Verstappen and Jamoul finished third in class at the East Belgian Rally, securing enough points to win the Belgian rally championship. This victory came with one final round of the season still remaining.
• Strategic Approach: Verstappen acknowledged taking a conservative approach during the rally, especially with tire choices, prioritizing the championship win over individual stage victories. "This wasn't the most interesting rally for us, because we made the safe tyre choices," he stated, adding that they "really took it easy on the last stage" to ensure the title.
• Family's Historic Day: September 27th will be remembered as a landmark day for the Verstappen family. While Jos was clinching the Belgian rally title, his son Max Verstappen was simultaneously achieving a debut GT3 victory at the Nordschleife, highlighting the family's deep-rooted success across different motorsport categories.
• Team and Preparation: Jos credited his success in rallying to surrounding himself with the right people, particularly his co-driver Renaud Jamoul. "My co-driver, Renaud, is obviously crucial in that process. We've got that all figured out," he emphasized, highlighting the importance of a strong, well-prepared team.
• Enjoyment and Results: Verstappen also stressed the importance of enjoyment in his rallying endeavors, noting that when the fun is prioritized, the results naturally follow. "The fun is important, and then the results come. We're so good now, that's also a pleasure, of course," he remarked, reflecting on his current form.

Looking Ahead:

This championship win solidifies Jos Verstappen's status as a formidable competitor in the rallying world. It not only marks a personal triumph but also showcases the Verstappen family's unparalleled talent and dedication to motorsport. The successful transition from F1 to rallying, culminating in a national title, provides a compelling narrative for aspiring drivers looking to broaden their motorsport horizons.

His continued participation will undoubtedly add excitement to future rally seasons, and his insights from a storied career across multiple disciplines offer a unique perspective on the demands and rewards of professional racing.