Jos Verstappen praised his son, Max, for being « franc » this year en route to his fourth consecutive F1 title.
The Red Bull driver faced several obstacles on and off the track, with an RB20 difficult to balance in the second part of the season but, above all, a difficult internal political context at the start of the year.
Verstappen has had to deal with several executive departures from Red Bull, including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. Additionally, he had to avoid becoming embroiled in the investigation earlier this year into Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, which resulted in the allegations being dropped.
His father, Jos, is not surprised that his son was able to handle all situations brilliantly.
“He's been very intelligent actually. He controls himself well and is very stable in that regard.”
“He also does not care what is said and written about him. He hears and sees everything, but it does not affect him. Of course, he is also constantly questioned about all kinds of things and therefore must know what that's happening. But I think Max is still handling it very well. He's in a good place and is mentally very strong.”
Did Jos advise him on anything political?
“I always give my opinion to Max, how I see things. But I don't really have to, we think pretty much the same thing. Max is not very different from me, in the way we see things. He's just cleaner, calmer and a little more balanced (laughs).”
“Luckily, Max is outspoken and says what he thinks. I like that. And I think that's great in this sport. Look around, not everyone does that. A lot of drivers circle around the pot and don't say what they think. Max is an open book.”
Enough to give Jos the opportunity also to justify his son's attitude at the 2022 Brazilian GP, when he refused to let his teammate, Sergio Perez, pass to help him in the drivers' championship.
“This question came up. Max had talked about it before the Brazil trip and they weren't planning to ask him, and suddenly this question came up on the radio.”
“Max answered very clearly then too. He leaves no room for doubt, even in this area. What is decided is decided.”
