Jos Verstappen Exclusive, part 1: "Max learnt a lot from winning and losing"
Published on 02 March 2018 by Stefan Meens
Whilst Max Verstappen tried to make the most of the cold and wet conditions out on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Verstappen.nl caught up with Jos Verstappen in Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's warm hospitality unit during the firs week of pre-season testing. Below part one of an exclusive interview with the ex-Formula 1 driver.
Jos, unusually, it's very cold in Barcelona. Have you ever tested in such wintery conditions?
“I was thinking about that this morning. These conditions don't happen very often but I do recall being here when there was snow. But that was a long time ago."
Let's dive straight into the 2018 cars. This year, the halo is mandatory. Are you happy your son is more protected or would you rather get rid of the device?
“I just don't think the concept is part of Formula 1. It's an open wheel series so the halo shouldn't part of it. From a safety point of view, I understand the decision, but it's an ugly solution. Maybe they should've looked into other options more, giving themselves a bit more time. The aero-screen that IndyCar is testing looks a lot better. I really wonder why they can't do a similar thing in F1. Hopefully, they'll change things in the future and make it look better.”
Today's cars are bigger and heavier, as well as having more power (approx 1000 bhp). Do you think the current generation of cars would've suited you, compared to the F1 cars when you raced?
“It's still a race car so I don't think it would've made a big difference. You work your way to Formula 1, arrive at the first test and you just get used to the new circumstances. I'm pretty sure I would've adapted to today's cars, so it wouldn't really differ.”
If you could change anything in Formula 1 or about the cars, what would you do?
“The main thing I would adjust is the downforce levels. They're so high that overtaking is not possible. Thus, the racing isn't as spectacular. Also, I would give the teams more engines instead of less. The current situation – with three engines per season – means teams will try less, which means the fans will see less cars on track. I really don't understand that concept.”
“I'd also get rid of the halo. Most importantly, I would try to get more parity on engine performance. I understand Mercedes and Ferrari want to keep their advantage, but for the future of Formula 1, parity would be better. It would mean more teams have a chance to win. Wouldn't it be amazing if teams like McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari all fought for victories? That's what the fans want! Not knowing who's going to win makes it exciting. If we could change those things, the races would be completely different.”
Since Max made his debut in Formula 1, he achieved considerable success and the spotlight on him becomes ever brighter. Do you have to keep him grounded, and if so, how?
“Max, Raymond (Vermeulen) and myself are a team of three. We discuss everything. Everybody makes mistakes but we're able to tell each other the truth. That's the most important thing; being able to discuss everything. Max is who he is and he'll always be like that. So I don't think Max is not going to stay grounded.”
Whenever Max wins Grands Prix, do you still pinch yourself?
“It was really special to see Max comeback with a win in Malaysia after so much bad luck in the first half of the year. I thought he was even stronger in Mexico, but he had the car to do the job. Seeing him going into turn one alongside Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel was amazing. You've got these two world champions and this little guy Max comes out on top.”
Max's career has always followed an upward trajectory. However, last year was the first time he had to deal with things not going his way. How did you experience that?
“I really felt his pain. We talked about it a lot but he remained positive. Luckily his run of bad luck came to an end. Perhaps it had to be this way. It maybe helped him realise what is going on around him. I think he learned from it all. Like you learn from winning, you also learn losing. Sometimes you just need that.”
Were you able to help Max at all when things were tough? Your fair share of experience and bad luck will have played a part?
“You talk to each other and with the team. Those guys want to win to. They don't turn up to not finish. They do everything they can to help. It's the whole team plus Max, Raymond and myself. We all want to go in the same direction, but Max is the one who has to show it on track, the one who has to accepts things and stay positive. The more positive he stays, the better it is for the team and his mechancis. That's something Max has see and feel.”
Part two of our exclusive interview with Jos Verstappen will be published Saturday 4 March on Verstappen.nl
