Jos Verstappen delighted with third title Max: 'I'm very proud'

Published on 07 October 2023 by Stefan Meens

Jos Verstappen witnessed history being made when son Max clinched his third consecutive Formula 1 world title after crossing the line in second place at the Qatar sprint. It was another proud moment for Jos who has been alongside Max for all his career.

“This was our dream”, said Verstappen senior after the sprint. “But who could’ve thought that it would happen three times in a row. It’s amazing, beyond our wildest dreams. And the way he’s done it, so dominant. He’s done an exceptional job this year. I’m very proud!”

Despite it being Max’ third world title, thus far the title deciding races have not been straightforward. “It always been a bit this way, but it in the end, it doesn’t really matter how it happens. It’s less exciting than two years ago and this time we knew it was coming. But still, this one was during a sprint with a lot of safety cars. The tension was a bit gone, but tomorrow we have another race that we’ll try to win.”

2023 has been a very successful campaign for Max and Oracle Red Bull Racing, but the Qatar sprint was won by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, a result Jos saw coming. "After the second safety car, Piastri has a gap of two-and-a-half seconds. That’s when I knew it wasn’t going to happen. And you have to think of the championship and make sure you clinch it, so it’s all good this way.”

Finally, Jos reflected on how Max’ success came to be. “I knew from an early age in karting that he was capable and I think we took the right decisions at the start of his career. But now it’s all up to him. I’m really happy how he does it, how strong he is and how hard he’s worked for it. All credits go to Max. We have to enjoy the moment and see what the future brings.”

Contest GP Qatar: win a canvas 'Austria 2023 by Eric Jan Kremer'