Jos Verstappen Rules Out Rally Co-Driving, Even With Max

Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver and father to three-time world champion Max Verstappen, has firmly stated he would never take on the role of a co-driver in rally racing, not even alongside his own son. This declaration highlights the unique demands and perceived risks of the co-driving position, a role he clearly respects but finds too daunting.

Why it matters:

Jos Verstappen's continued involvement and success in rally racing—recently clinching the Belgian Rally Championship—demonstrates a deep passion for motorsport beyond F1. His refusal to co-drive, despite his extensive racing background and close bond with Max, offers a unique perspective on the distinct challenges and mental fortitude required for that specific role, contrasting sharply with the 'daredevil' image often associated with rally drivers themselves.

The Details:

• Personal Stance: Speaking to Formula 1 Magazine, the 53-year-old Verstappen Snr expressed his admiration for co-drivers but admitted, "Every day I get up, I pray a Hail Mary. As a driver, you know the risks, but sincerely, I think as a navigator, you have to be even more daring. I personally would never want to sit next to someone else, not even next to Max."
• Rally Success: Despite his reservations about co-driving, Jos Verstappen is an accomplished rally driver. He recently secured the Belgian Rally Championship title alongside his co-driver Renaud Jamoul, showcasing his enduring talent and competitive spirit in a different motorsport discipline.
• Max's Reaction: Max Verstappen has openly acknowledged his father's aggressive rally driving style. After viewing footage of his father going airborne at 270 km/h in a rally car, Max humorously called him "completely crazy" in an interview with Viaplay.
• F1 and Rally Crossover: The Verstappen family isn't the only F1 household with strong ties to rally racing. Carlos Sainz Jr.'s father, Carlos Sainz Snr, is a legendary figure in the Dakar Rally. Carlos Jr. himself has even tried out his father’s Ford Raptor T1+ rally car, indicating a shared appreciation for the discipline among F1 drivers.

Between the Lines:

Jos Verstappen's comments underscore the often-underestimated bravery and specific skillset required of rally co-drivers. While drivers are celebrated for their speed and car control, co-drivers are responsible for precise navigation and split-second decision-making, often in extreme conditions, making it a role that demands a different kind of courage. His respect for this role, while simultaneously shying away from it, speaks volumes about its inherent pressure.

What's Next:

Jos Verstappen is expected to continue his rally career, pursuing further championships and pushing his limits behind the wheel. While a co-driving stint with Max remains firmly off the table, the 'Verstappen' name will undoubtedly continue to be prominent in various forms of motorsport, with both father and son making their mark in their respective chosen disciplines.