Max Verstappen: Jos Verstappen Would Be an 'Excellent' F1 Team Principal

Max Verstappen believes his father, Jos Verstappen, possesses the ideal qualities to be an 'excellent' team principal in motorsport, citing his unparalleled technical understanding and dedication. Jos, a former F1 driver himself, significantly shaped Max's career by imparting crucial knowledge about car setup and racing craft, a commitment Max deeply values.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's dominance in F1 is often attributed to his raw talent, but the foundational guidance from his father, Jos, has been a critical, often understated, factor. This insight highlights the depth of their relationship and the unique 'team boss' qualities Max sees in his father, extending beyond just a parental role.

The Details:

• Early Influence: Jos Verstappen effectively paused his own racing career in 2003 to fully dedicate himself to nurturing Max's talent from go-karting through junior categories and into Formula 1.
• Technical Acumen: Max emphasizes his father's exceptional knowledge of car setup and tuning for both go-karts and race cars. This technical understanding, passed down from a very young age, has been fundamental to Max's development as a driver.
  • Max credits this knowledge not just for his speed, but for his comprehensive understanding of the car itself.
• Ongoing Collaboration: Even today, Max and Jos frequently discuss vehicle dynamics and setup, sharing insights from Max's GT3 racing and Jos's rallying endeavors. Max finds his father's ability to explain complex technical concepts highly impressive.
• Commitment and Sacrifice: Max highlights his father's unwavering commitment to providing the best opportunities, not only by securing top-tier equipment but also by personally tuning it to perfection. Jos's 110% dedication during Max's formative years in motorsport showcases a level of sacrifice that deeply impacted Max's career trajectory.

Between the Lines:

Max's reflection underscores the intense, hands-on approach Jos took in his son's career. While many racing parents support their children, Jos's background as an F1 driver gave him unique insights and a 'team boss' mentality that Max believes would translate directly to a leadership role. This deep technical and strategic partnership has been a cornerstone of Max's journey to becoming a three-time world champion.

What's next:

While Max acknowledges his father likely has no desire to take on a formal team principal role, their continued collaboration, particularly on technical discussions, ensures that Jos's influence remains a vital, albeit unofficial, part of Max's racing ecosystem. This enduring partnership will likely continue to evolve as Max pursues further F1 successes and explores other racing categories.