Max Verstappen and his relationship with his father is a narrative that runs deep in his F1 dominance. Verstappen’s worrying childhood under the wings of a father in F1, his need to impress him, and yet, their undying love for one another. Family dynamics aside, they truly have an unbreakable bond.
His mother has often credited Verstappen’s trademark on-track aggression to Jos Verstappen, who has molded his son to face whatever the sport throws at him. Thanks to him, we see the generational talent that is Max Verstappen, a man quite literally, born to be at the front of the grid.
However, we don’t spot Verstappen sr. looming around the Red Bull garage anymore. Over the last two seasons, Jos would seldom miss out on a race; his frowned face carefully analyzing every move the #1 Red Bull makes on the track.
So where is Jos these days, really? Is Verstappen cracking under the pressure without his dad beside him? Surely not. However, this sudden change is broken down by Dutch F1 pundit Erik van Haren, who reveals how Verstappen copes.
Max Verstappen copes with his absent father
In conversation with the F1 Nation podcast with Tom Clarkson, van Haren reports on how Max behaves without his father around. As Clarkson wonders if Verstappen has been faltering without his “number one wingman,” the Dutchman paints a picture of a more independent champion.
“No, maybe a few years ago, but now, Jos, I think he was only in Jeddah so far. And they call everyday and text every day so they have a lot of contact.” However, the situation isn’t any different when Jos is present in the paddock.
The hectic demands of F1 these days have helped prune Max away from his father. “If Jos is here the whole day, Max is so busy they don’t see each other. Jos is only in the hospitality talking with people.”
Thus, while maintaining their relationship, Verstappen is a grown man now. Van Haren agrees that it helps to have Jos around, but it’s not a necessity. “Sometimes it helps when he’s here, but Max is so mature now he doesn’t need his father all the time with him. But I still think he’s number one wingman.”
As a result, Max has learned to hold his own ground. Already self-critical enough, the man with the golden boot doesn’t need any hand-holding anymore. Now, as he battles his teammate for the championship, it’s clear that Verstappen is not only a top-notch driver but also he wants his place at the top. Jos can just sit back like the rest of us and enjoy the show.
