Jos Verstappen: "I have a good feeling for next year!"

Published on 02 December 2015 by Mike Motilall

He knows the ropes in Formula 1 all but too well. Having done 106 Grand Prix starts, Jos can call himself a veteran in the pinnacle of motorsports. He is more than skilled and has enough experience as well to form an expert opinion on the debut of his son Max. In a double-interview with Carlos Sainz Sr. at Formula1.com, in which both talk about the adventures of their sons, Jos Verstappen glanced back at the debut of his eldest in Formula 1.

How would you sum up your son’s debut season?
“If I think about Max then I have to say he has done an incredible job. We all know that it is damned difficult to start in Formula One. We’ve been lucky to make that start with Toro Rosso as they built a good car that gave him a real chance. I am very pleased.”

Being so young, he has had to grow up pretty fast in the space of a season. Have you seen any changes in your son?
”Oh yes. When I remember Max when he started in Melbourne and when I look at him now - his life has been completely turned upside down. He has built up a very strong character and he has built up his professionalism. In many ways he is a different person.”

Has anything surprised you?
“Not really surprised, but it was interesting to see that in some ways he has two personalities now: at the track the top professional, and at home the same Max that he has always been - just like all those years before.”

How does his debut compare to your own first seasons at the top of the motorsport ladder?
“In Max’s case much more positive. When I started I had a lot of crashes. Michael (Schumacher) was my team mate - one of the best ever drivers ever - and I had to compete against him. I was pushing all the time, making a lot of mistakes - and in a rookie season that is not really a positive. Max is doing a lot better.”

What is your first memory of watching your son race?
“Ah, I remember very well his very first race. Max was seven. You know in practice you can give him advice, you can help him, but in the race he goes off and has to do his own thing. That was a very strange experience.”

When did it become clear to you that your son would follow in your footsteps?
“When Max was doing mini karts, we did 65 races in the first three years and he won 64 of them. It became very clear that his goal was winning, winning, winning! From then on it was obvious that he wanted to become a racing driver.”

Did you warn your son that it’s a long and hard road he is choosing - with a lot of sacrifices required?
“Of course I told him how difficult the environment can be, so yes, we spoke about it. But if you see them having talent - and commitment - then you give them the chance to try it. And then we tried to do it in the most professional way. But don’t get me wrong, he’s had a super season. But it is still difficult - F1 is very unpredictable!”

How would you sum up your emotions when you learnt that your son had secured an F1 drive?
“To be honest, that was the goal. When you sign the deal you are very happy, but as soon as the ink has dried you know that this is only the start - that a tough time is coming, that you need to perform all the time, to see that you don’t make too many mistakes - because once they write you off it is difficult to stay in F1.”

How much advice and coaching do you give your son?
“Less and less. He understands what to do and what’s important. He is very well settled in the team. And for me I have to say that I never go into details about the car with Max - he just knows better!”

Would you have preferred a more experienced ‘reference driver’ as your sons’ team mate?
“I don’t think so. As Carlos just said, they are pushing each other hard and both get better. Both are stepping up. And the reference that we have is Red Bull Racing. If you see how close we have been at many races - and sometimes in front of them - that’s enough reference.”

Do you also have to pick him up when things don’t go so well?
“That’s what fathers are there for. But so far I have to say that neither has had a dip so far and that makes things a lot easier.”

Jos, Max has matched your best F1 qualifying position and has already far exceeded your career points tally. How long before he equals your two podium finishes?
“Ha, I think it could look like there is a big chance next year. I have a good feeling for next year.”

How frustrating is it to see your son doing something you would probably love to be doing yourself? Is there any sense of envy?
“Not at all. I am happy for him. Max is definitely going his own way. He has now moved into his own apartment. Yes, sometimes it is tough to watch, but it helps them for the future. We both knew that it was going to happen, so you step back a little bit more and more. It is his life and he has to develop it as he wants it.”

Is it satisfying that you have been able to give your son the chance to follow his dream?
“I have helped, but it is was more down to him – he was fighting for it. I did the best to bring him as high up as possible, but it was up to him to create the chance he has now. If he hadn’t done such a good job in the lower categories he wouldn’t be here. He has created his own possibilities. He has already shown his true colours.”

Do you think your son ever resented, or struggled, living under the shadow of your name when he started out?
“No, not that, but I think it was harder for him if he didn’t do well.”

What’s your guess as a proud dad: is a championship win within your son?
“I of course wish him all the best. But looking back on how the season went, I predict that he has very good chances in Formula One.  I definitely hope so! (laughs) That is what you are here for. We are not here to fill up the field. But doing that is about being in the right place at the right time - and again that’s a challenge for the dads to help to make that happen!”