Verstappen Praises Father Jos: 'He Would Be a Really Good Team Principal'

Max Verstappen, known for his candid opinions, recently lauded his father, Jos Verstappen, suggesting that he possesses the qualities to be an exceptional F1 team principal. While Max acknowledged his father's unlikely interest in such a role, he emphasized Jos's profound technical acumen as the primary reason for his suitability.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's dominance in Formula 1 is often attributed to his innate talent, but his recent comments highlight the crucial, often underestimated, role of his father's technical guidance. This insight offers a rare glimpse into the foundational elements of a three-time world champion's success, extending beyond just driving skill to a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and setup.

The Details:

• Technical Prowess: Max Verstappen expressed admiration for his father's extensive knowledge of racing, tuning, and car/kart setups, emphasizing that this expertise was instilled in him from a young age.
• Foundational Influence: Max explicitly stated that his father's guidance 'definitely made me the person I am today,' highlighting that success isn't solely about speed but also about understanding the car.
• Ongoing Collaboration: Even now, Max frequently discusses car performance with his father, covering topics from Jos's rally car to Max's F1 car and his GT3 team. This continuous dialogue underscores the enduring value of Jos's technical insights.
• Sacrifice and Dedication: Max recounted how his father essentially paused his own racing career, dedicating '110 percent' to nurturing Max's aspirations, a level of commitment Max describes as unparalleled.
• Behind-the-Scenes Role: Despite not foreseeing an official team role for his father due to family considerations, Max recognizes Jos's ongoing importance. He serves as a crucial advisor, leveraging his vast global network and experience to provide support.
• No Driving Tips (for F1): When asked about current driving advice, Max jokingly noted that such tips would only apply if he were in a rally car, indicating his father's primary contribution is technical rather than direct driving instruction for F1.

What's next:

While Jos Verstappen is unlikely to officially join an F1 team as a principal, his continued influence behind the scenes remains invaluable to Max's career. The ongoing discussions and technical insights shared between father and son will undoubtedly contribute to Max's future performances, reaffirming the unique partnership that has propelled him to the pinnacle of motorsport.