The Schumacher and the Verstappen families have been close friends for a long time. Since they have been so close, Michael Schumacher was already aware of Max Verstappen’s huge talent. However, the German was wary of Jos Verstappen’s strict methods.
Several rumors have stated that Jos was not only harsh on Max but also abused his son. However, the 51-year-old declined the same in Max Verstappen’s Anatomy of a Champion documentary.
Looking back at a great weekend and an incredible season so far 🙌 Very proud and grateful to be part of this. We will enjoy this moment, recharge the batteries and be ready for Austin #KeepPushing pic.twitter.com/7cDiqzfeF3
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) October 9, 2023
The former Benetton driver stated (as quoted by marca.com), “There are people who say I’m a bad father because I abused my child. I never abused him! I raised him, I was hard on him. That was my plan. Many people cannot imagine what it takes to reach the absolute top level of a sport“.
Since Jos used such harsh methods, Schumacher was aware that while his friend’s methods could help Max grow, it could easily also turn out to be a disaster. However, an Italian journalist believes that Jos’ methods “raised an executioner, not a victim“.
Michael Schumacher was aware of Max Verstappen’s prowess back in 2012
While speaking on his podcast, Italian journalist Giorgio Terruzzi explained how both Michael Schumacher and Jean Alesi were aware of Max Verstappen’s potential even in 2012. The journalist stated that when he attended a go-kart race in Sarno in 2012, both Schumacher and Alesi were already talking about Verstappen.
“They both said that they had to see how he would grow up, how he would react to his father’s harshness, which was legendary even then. They wanted to see if that method would produce a result or a disaster,” explained Terruzzi (as quoted by formula1.it).
However, the Italian journalist believes that Jos’ methods helped raise “an executioner” and “not a victim“. Terruzzi believes that the 51-year-old‘s methods may be questionable, but they helped Max greatly.
This is because Max “was one of those who responded to discipline with discipline“. Jos’ methods have indeed produced fruitful results, as the 26-year-old is already a three-time world champion.
Max Verstappen has established unprecedented dominance in 2023
Max Verstappen sealed this year’s championship at the Qatar Grand Prix, with five races to spare. He has so far won 14 of the 17 races and also scripted a huge record in the process. After winning every race from the Miami GP in May to the Italian GP in September, he became the first driver in F1 history to register 10 consecutive victories.
Now, with Red Bull currently on top, the Dutchman is also expected to carry on his domination in the seasons ahead. The pace at which the 26-year-old is currently registering wins, he could also beat Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 wins.
As things stand, Max has won 49 races. Hence, considering how successful he has been, Jos’ plan of being “hard” on his son has definitely helped groom one of the most dominant-ever drivers seen in the sport.
