Jos Verstappen, not only the father of Max Verstappen but also a significant mentor, has seen his role diminish over the years. In the latest episode of the podcast On the Rally Coffee, the former Formula 1 driver candidly shares his perspective on his involvement in Max’s career and the importance he still places on honesty.
‘Still Always Honest’
Although Verstappen senior does not officially act as a manager – a role fulfilled by Raymond Vermeulen – he provided much advice to Max in the early years. “Especially in the initial phase of his career, I gave him direction,” Verstappen explains. “Now he is old and wise enough to do that himself. But I am the one who still always honestly says what is going well and what is not, and he appreciates that.” Verstappen emphasizes that his involvement is not so much about directing Max, but about providing a realistic perspective. He is always the one who, based on his own experience, points out what can be improved. “Everyone needs that.”
In Formula 1, everything revolves around winning, but according to Verstappen, criticism is just as much a part of it. “I always have his best interests at heart and we naturally want to win everything, but that also includes criticism.”
Rally Sport as a New Goal
Besides his role as father and mentor to Max, Verstappen has found a new passion in rally sport. “I’m glad I discovered rally sport, it gives me a new goal,” he says enthusiastically. This year, Verstappen is starting a full program of rallies, including the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC) and the European Rally Championship (ERC).
