When Michael Schumacher won his first F1 title with Benetton in 1994, he was Jos Verstappen’s teammate. The two shared an instant bond while both the families got quite close too. And, a young Max Verstappen grew up with the legendary German driver in and around his life.
Until recently, Jos never spoke much about the relationship Michael shared with Max. From what he has spoken of late, it is evident that Schumi had high regard for Max. As per the 52-year-old Dutchman, Michael treated Max the same way as his son Mick.
“If he had something to say, he told them [Max and Mick] both,” Jos added. “It’s quite possible that Max also benefited from these experiences.”
jos verstappen to f1-insider about michael schumacher:
“michael didn’t differentiate between max and mick. if he had something to say, he told them both. it’s quite possible that max also benefited from these experiences. max has a lot in common with michael: uncompromising on… pic.twitter.com/OJ36h9u2Us
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) January 7, 2025
Over the years, many have drawn parallels between Michael with Max, especially their driving styles. Both are aggressive and have a ‘do whatever it takes’ attitude when it comes to winning races.
However, Jos insisted that they have more in common off the track.
“Max has a lot in common with Michael. Uncompromising on the racetrack, but kind, sensitive, and caring as a private person,” Jos said.
In an interview with The Times in 2023, Max himself commented on the bond he has shared with Schumacher.
“I remember a few holidays. I was quite small; I didn’t know he [Schumacher] was a 7-time world champion. He was more like Uncle Michael walking around. He was very nice, easygoing. Simple.”
Max could not have asked for a better role model than Schumacher. There would be nothing bigger than the youngster breaking his record in the next few years.
Max is at Schumacher’s level at the same age
Max has been the most dominant driver in F1 over the past few years. He won his first Championship in 2021 and has followed it with three more titles. At 27, he has achieved more than most drivers do in their entire careers.
Interestingly, Schumacher was 25 when he won his first Championship in 1994. By age 27, Schumacher had 2 titles and Max has 4. So it shows how Max is already on an identical trajectory, if not better, but can he overtake Schumacher’s legacy?
It’s possible if he decides to continue in F1 beyond 2028 when his current contract expires, and should Red Bull continue to deliver Championship-level cars, Max could surpass Michael’s career achievements.
Sadly, Michael, who treated Max like his own son, could not witness the Dutchman’s success in F1. Just two years before Max made his F1 debut, Michael suffered a tragic skiing accident that has left him bedridden since. His health condition remains unknown.
Knowing how close the Schumacher and Verstappen families are, the reigning world champion would have loved to have the legend around trackside to witness and celebrate his victories.
