Jos Verstappen proud after fourth world title: 'Gives me goosebumps'
Published on 24 November 2024 by Stefan Meens
Jos Verstappen witnessed his son Max claim a historic fourth Formula 1 world championship after finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Chatting to Viaplay, Jos reflects on the eventful journey to Max’s fourth title.
“I was nervous, I woke up at four in the morning and couldn’t sleep”, says Jos. “There is always that tension, but he did it. Maybe not in the way Max would’ve wanted it, but the main thing is that he did”, analysed Jos, who could not make the trip to Vegas. “I wasn’t feeling great; I had a bit of a flue. So I’d rather stay away so I don’t pass it on to Max. There’s also the time difference and I’m having to do some prep for a race myself.”
Compared to last season, the 2024 campaign was less straightforward. “We had a lead, but it all depended on the development of the car. I wasn’t always positive, but Max showed everyone what he’s made off, especially in Brazil. What he did there was unreal and really won him this title.”
Despite a fourth title in a row, Jos still struggles to comprehend what his son has achieved. “If you start to think about it, it gives you goosebumps, especially to think the Netherlands are such a small country. What he’s achieved is incredible and something to be very proud of. It’s already difficult enough to make the switch from karts into Formula 1, let alone win a race. But to win four championships is something we never dreamt was possible”, says Jos who mentored Max throughout the champion’s career.
“I sometimes had to be tough on him. Max was always rather relaxed in his approach. He’s now reaping the benefits of that approach. He knows how to handle the pressure, because I always kept the pressure on him. If you look at how he deals with it, I can only be proud.”
When asked about the season’s highlight, Jos is resolute: “Brazil was just the most amazing moment. The way he drove all the way from the back and kept clocking fastest laps in the last ten laps, that really sealed the title in my eyes.”
Looking ahead, Jos does not know if Max can fight for another title. “Nobody can answer that. Of course, we hope that he can, but he’s not in the fastest car, otherwise he would win all the races. Things have to improve to be competitive next year. The team knows what needs to change, so it’s up to them to get it together.”
