Jos Verstappen: "my quotes have been misinterpreted and misconstrued"

Published on 02 October 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

There is some commotion concerning some things Jos has said to a reporter last weekend in Indianapolis. Allegedly Jos has had enough of Minardi and supposedly he will leave the team no matter what. Well that was the gist of the story that has been published by a Dutch autosport magazine.

If someone regrets what has happened it is Jos Verstappen himself so Jos told the editor of this site. Is nothing true and everything was made up by the reporter? "Firstly, certain quotes of me were picked up by the press and then published by others without verifying the authenticity. This is a matter which is very unpleasant. Of course I have said things which are not always positive. Call it emotional, in the heat of the moment. How it is then published is completely wrong and miscontrued."

"It was not all hope and glory." Jos continues "The only thing I wanted to mention is that it is not easy at Minardi, the season has proven to be very tough. Remember Paul Stoddart managed to get a good engine deal and we can be proud to have sponsors like Trust, Muermans, Halfords and Wilux. With this package it wouldn't be wrong to think that this package promised more than it delivered? I think that goes for all of those concerned. Everything I have said is with respect for Paul Stoddart, my collegues at Minardi and my sponsors. See, I am a sportsman, driver and haven't done anything else during my life. Why can't we disappointed when we can't achieve good results? Sometimes you say things in an emotional moment, but always with respect for the team and all of those concerned. Of course I get frustrated at time when we can't get along with the material available. At the moment it looks like I am criticising everyone who is connected with Minardi. To top it all off the English press has misinterpreted the complete interview and some of the things are made up by whoever wrote the article."

Contrary to what has been published in that particular interview Jos doesn't hold any grudges against Minardi. Jos: "Of course not, I know how hard Paul Stoddart and my collegues have to work to get the best out of the team. They have done everything within their abilities. We have to do the job with what we have. I respect that, but that viewpoint is never put to print. I regret that this has been brought out into publicity, also towards my sponsors who have been very loyal. Thanks to Har Muermans, Trust, Wilux, Halfords and Paul Stoddart I was able to return to Formula 1. People who really know me, know how to value my quotes the right way. In case people might have doubts, I support Paul Stoddart, Greg Wheeler and the rest of the Minardi team for the full 100%."